Reece
REES
Reece is an Anglicised form of the Welsh name Rhys, derived from Old Welsh ris meaning “ardour” or “enthusiasm.” The double-E spelling is the most common English adaptation.
Rhys ap Gruffydd (1132 - 1197), prince of Deheubarth, was one of medieval Wales’s most powerful rulers. His name has been in continuous Welsh use for nearly a millennium.
Reece peaked at No. 344 in 2001 with 798 births. In 2024 it ranks No. 455 with 686 births, holding steadily near its historical range.
What the name Reece means
Actor Reece Shearsmith and various sporting figures have kept the name visible. In Australia and the UK, Reece and Rhys are both top-200 names.
One syllable - REES - is clean and energetic. The long vowel and sibilant ending give it a bright, modern sound with Celtic undertones.
Parents who want a Welsh name without pronunciation hurdles find Reece approachable. Unlike Rhys, it reads phonetically in English with no ambiguity.
The spelling Reece has traded places with Rhys in popularity over the decades, but both remain firmly in use across English-speaking countries.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Reece
Reece - similar names
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