Reese

How to say it

/ris/

What it means

Anglicized Welsh Rhys, from a root meaning 'ardent, fiery, enthusiastic.' A traditional masculine Welsh name; the Reese spelling flipped feminine in the US in the 2000s.

Reese is the anglicization of the Welsh Rhys, from a root meaning 'ardent, fiery, enthusiastic.' Rhys ap Tewdwr was an 11th-century king of South Wales; the line of Welsh princes named Rhys is long. The Welsh Rhys is masculine; the English Reese spelling flipped feminine in the US in the 2000s, particularly after Reese Witherspoon's Hollywood breakout. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (named for confectioner H.B. Reese) is the candy anchor. As a first name it's been in the US top 200 since 2003. Single syllable, no shorter form.

Heads-up notes

• Spelling

  Reese is the dominant US spelling and reads feminine; Rhys is the Welsh masculine standard; Reece is the British masculine. Same pronunciation across all three.

Who's worn it

Historical figures, characters, and public faces who share the name. The cultural surface, for whatever weight you want to give it.

• Reese Witherspoon American actress and producer, Walk the Line (Oscar) and Legally Blonde
• Rhys ap Tewdwr 11th-century king of Deheubarth (South Wales)

Spelling variants

• Rhys
• Reece
• Rees

Names with the same feeling

• Quinn Descendant of Conn
• Riley Courageous, valiant
• Harper Harp player
• Kennedy Helmeted head
• Isla Island

See Reese from another angle