Reese: meaning and origin
Reese
“Enthusiasm; an English spelling of Rhys”
About the name Reese
Reese is a girl or a boy’s name from the Welsh tradition. Its meaning is “enthusiasm; an English spelling of Rhys”. Names from Welsh, with roots in Celtic legend — like Rhys, Megan, Gwen and Dylan.
It has a modern feel and has become more common in the US in recent decades.
Tips before you choose
- Say the full name out loud with your last name, and with any middle name.
- Check the initials — and what they spell.
- Think about nicknames kids might make from it.
- Write it down: is the spelling easy for teachers and friends?
More Welsh names
- Arthur 👦Bear; the legendary King Arthur · Welsh
- Bronwyn 👧White breast; fair one · Welsh
- Dylan 👦Son of the sea · Welsh
- Ellis 🧒Kind, benevolent · Welsh
- Evan 👦God is gracious; a Welsh form of John · Welsh
- Gareth 👦Gentle; a knight of King Arthur · Welsh
- Gwen 👧White, fair, blessed · Welsh
- Megan 👧Pearl; a Welsh form of Margaret · Welsh
- Morgan 🧒Sea-born, sea circle · Welsh
- Owen 👦Well-born, noble · Welsh
- Rhett 👦Enthusiasm; also from a Dutch surname · Welsh
- Rhiannon 👧Great queen; a figure in Welsh legend · Welsh
Sibling name ideas (Welsh, girls and boys)
- Arthur 👦Bear; the legendary King Arthur · Welsh
- Bronwyn 👧White breast; fair one · Welsh
- Dylan 👦Son of the sea · Welsh
- Evan 👦God is gracious; a Welsh form of John · Welsh
- Gareth 👦Gentle; a knight of King Arthur · Welsh
- Gwen 👧White, fair, blessed · Welsh
- Megan 👧Pearl; a Welsh form of Margaret · Welsh
- Owen 👦Well-born, noble · Welsh
More unisex names starting with R
- Remy 🧒Oarsman, from Reims · French
- Riley 🧒Courageous; also a rye meadow · Irish
- River 🧒A flowing body of water · English
- Robin 🧒Bright fame; also the songbird · English
- Rory 🧒Red king · Irish
- Rowan 🧒Little red one; also the rowan tree · Irish
Questions and answers
What does the name Reese mean?
Reese is a name of Welsh origin. It means: enthusiasm; an English spelling of Rhys.
Is Reese a boy or girl name?
Reese is used for both girls and boys in the US.
How many syllables does Reese have?
Reese has 5 letters and about 1 syllable.