Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Reese
GirlWelsh· “ardor, enthusiasm”
- Meaning
- ardor, enthusiasm
- Origin
- Welsh
- Pronunciation
- REES
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #192
- US babies 2025
- 1,631
- Best rank
- #128 (2012)
- Peak year
- 2012
Meaning and origin of Reese
Reese is a Welsh name that means “ardor, enthusiasm”.
Reese is an anglicized spelling of the Welsh name Rhys, which is usually explained as "ardor" or "enthusiasm." Rhys was a name of medieval Welsh princes, including Rhys ap Gruffydd, ruler of Deheubarth, and it also became a common surname. In Wales and Britain it is still mainly a boy's name, while in the United States Reese has become a popular choice for girls, helped by the actress Reese Witherspoon. It is short, crisp and friendly, with a sporty feel. Spelling variants include Reece and Rhys, and it works well as both a first and middle name.
Popularity over time
Reese first appears in US Social Security records in 1924. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 26 different years, starting in 2000. Its best national rank was #128 in 2012, the same year it reached its highest count of 2,459 babies. In 2025, 1,631 babies were named Reese, and it ranked #192 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #886 in 2000, #137 in 2010, and #192 in 2025. Of the 44,775 US girls named Reese since records began, 45% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 13,824 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Brooklynn, Aliyah, Kendall, Makenzie, and Elise.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Reese ranked highest in Idaho, Delaware, and New Hampshire.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho | #104 | 20 |
| Delaware | #112 | 8 |
| New Hampshire | #120 | 11 |
| Maine | #125 | 9 |
| Nebraska | #129 | 18 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 81% of US babies named Reese over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Reese is usually pronounced REES, with one syllable. It has five letters, starts with R and ends in “-se”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Reece and Rhys.
Middle names for Reese
A few middle names that flow with Reese: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Reese
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Lists that include Reese
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Reese mean?
Reese is a Welsh name that means “ardor, enthusiasm”.
What is the origin of the name Reese?
Reese has Welsh roots. Reese is an anglicized spelling of the Welsh name Rhys, which is usually explained as "ardor" or "enthusiasm." Rhys was a name of medieval Welsh princes, including Rhys ap Gruffydd, ruler of Deheubarth, and it also became a common surname.
Is Reese a popular name?
Yes. Reese ranked #192 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Reese a boy or girl name?
Reese is mainly a girl's name. About 81% of US babies named Reese over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Reese?
Reese is usually pronounced REES. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings