Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Rhett
BoyDutch, English· “from a surname; possibly advice”
- Meaning
- from a surname; possibly advice (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Dutch, English
- Pronunciation
- RET
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #188
- US babies 2025
- 1,936
- Best rank
- #149 (2021)
- Peak year
- 2021
Meaning and origin of Rhett
Rhett is often said to mean “from a surname; possibly advice”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Dutch and English roots.
Rhett is best known as the name of Rhett Butler, the dashing hero of Margaret Mitchell's Gone with the Wind. It originated as a surname, and its roots are uncertain; it is often linked with the Dutch de Raedt, from a word meaning "advice" or "counsel," though this is not firmly established. Mitchell took the name from a Southern family surname, and it has long carried a sense of Southern charm. Today Rhett has become a stylish choice in its own right, fitting the fashion for short, strong names with a single syllable. It feels confident and a little roguish.
Popularity over time
Rhett first appears in US Social Security records in 1917. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 70 different years, starting in 1955. Its best national rank was #149 in 2021, the same year it reached its highest count of 2,538 babies. In 2025, 1,936 babies were named Rhett, and it ranked #188 nationally. That is 44% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #4,838 in 1920, #1,216 in 1950, #704 in 1980, #676 in 2000, #608 in 2010, and #188 in 2025. Of the 36,669 US boys named Rhett since records began, 37% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 13,060 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Elliot, Ace, Messiah, Judah, and Milo.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Rhett ranked highest in South Dakota, Montana, and Arkansas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | #48 | 21 |
| Montana | #60 | 18 |
| Arkansas | #64 | 47 |
| North Dakota | #76 | 15 |
| Iowa | #80 | 43 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 99% of US babies named Rhett over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Rhett is usually pronounced RET, with one syllable. It has five letters, starts with R and ends in “-tt”.
Middle names for Rhett
A few middle names that flow with Rhett: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Rhett
Similar names
Jett Boy
JEHT
“jet, a black gemstone” · English
#169
Beckett Boy
BEK-it
“from an English surname” · English
#141
Chase Boy
CHAYS
“hunter” · English
#192
Zane Boy
ZAYN
English
#324
King Boy
KING
“king” · English
#405
Gage Boy
GAYJ
“pledge” · English
#973
Cash Boy
KASH
“money; also an English surname” · English
#287
Jax Boy
JAKS
“short for Jackson, son of Jack” · American (modern coinage)
#342
Ace Boy
AYS
“one who excels; the top card” · English
#164
Colt Boy
KOHLT
“young horse” · English
#285
Jase Boy
JAYS
“to heal; short form of Jason” · English
#717
Tate Boy
TAYT
“from an Old English personal name” · English
#194
Lists that include Rhett
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Rhett mean?
Rhett is often said to mean “from a surname; possibly advice”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Dutch and English roots.
What is the origin of the name Rhett?
Rhett has Dutch and English roots. Rhett is best known as the name of Rhett Butler, the dashing hero of Margaret Mitchell's Gone with the Wind.
Is Rhett a popular name?
Yes. Rhett ranked #188 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Rhett a boy or girl name?
Rhett is mainly a boy's name. About 99% of US babies named Rhett over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Rhett?
Rhett is usually pronounced RET. 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