Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Rhys
BoyWelsh· “enthusiasm, ardor”
- Meaning
- enthusiasm, ardor
- Origin
- Welsh
- Pronunciation
- REES
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #412
- US babies 2025
- 778
- Best rank
- #353 (2023)
- Peak year
- 2024
Meaning and origin of Rhys
Rhys is a Welsh name that means “enthusiasm, ardor”.
Rhys is a traditional Welsh name, generally explained as "enthusiasm" or "ardor". It was borne by several medieval Welsh rulers, most famously Rhys ap Gruffydd, known as the Lord Rhys, who ruled the kingdom of Deheubarth in south Wales in the twelfth century. The name gave rise to surnames such as Rees, Reese and Price, the last from ap Rhys, "son of Rhys". Outside Wales it became better known in recent decades through actors such as Rhys Ifans. It is pronounced like the English name Reese, which is its anglicized form. Rhys is short, crisp and distinctive, and the spelling signals Welsh heritage.
Popularity over time
Rhys first appears in US Social Security records in 1929. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 22 different years, starting in 2004. Its best national rank was #353 in 2023, and the most babies received it in 2024, when 952 were named Rhys. In 2025, 778 babies were named Rhys, and it ranked #412 nationally. That is 39% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #3,262 in 1950, #2,042 in 1980, #1,068 in 2000, #471 in 2010, and #412 in 2025. Of the 14,334 US boys named Rhys since records began, 41% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 4,857 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Kylian, Sterling, Wells, Ibrahim, and Santino.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Rhys ranked highest in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware | #137 | 8 |
| Pennsylvania | #138 | 92 |
| Rhode Island | #174 | 7 |
| Virginia | #244 | 36 |
| Massachusetts | #273 | 22 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 94% of US babies named Rhys over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Rhys is usually pronounced REES, with one syllable. It has four letters, starts with R and ends in “-ys”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Reese and Reece.
Middle names for Rhys
A few middle names that flow with Rhys: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Rhys
Similar names
Saul Boy
SAWL
“asked for, prayed for” · Hebrew
#557
Joan Unisex
JOHN
“God is gracious” · English
#987
Jones Boy
JOHNZ
“son of John” · Welsh
#811
Emrys Unisex
EHM-rihs
“Welsh form of Ambrose, immortal” · Welsh
#1,260
George Boy
JAWRJ
“farmer” · Greek
#126
Hugh Boy
HYOO
“heart, mind, spirit” · Germanic
#732
Wynn Unisex
WIHN
“fair, blessed; also 'joy'” · Welsh
#1,726
Mael Boy
mah-EL
“prince, chief” · Breton
#1,104
Niall Boy
NY-uhl
“possibly champion or cloud” · Irish
#1,706
Penn Boy
PEHN
“English surname, "enclosure" or "hill"” · English
#2,706
James Boy
JAYMZ
“holder of the heel, supplanter” · English
#6
John Boy
JAHN
“Yahweh is gracious” · Hebrew
#23
Lists that include Rhys
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Rhys mean?
Rhys is a Welsh name that means “enthusiasm, ardor”.
What is the origin of the name Rhys?
Rhys has Welsh roots. Rhys is a traditional Welsh name, generally explained as "enthusiasm" or "ardor".
Is Rhys a popular name?
Yes. Rhys ranked #412 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Rhys a boy or girl name?
Rhys is mainly a boy's name. About 94% of US babies named Rhys over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Rhys?
Rhys 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