For parents seeking a name that bridges the gap between soft and strong, Reese is a standout contender. It is not flowery or fussy, yet it retains a certain Southern charm and Hollywood sparkle.
Verdict: Reese is a fantastic choice for a baby born in 2025. It offers the versatility of a unisex name while feeling established and recognizable. It is perfect for parents who want a name that is easy to spell, impossible to mispronounce, and carries a meaning full of passion and life.
Reese Overview
- Meaning: Reese is a feminine Welsh name meaning “enthusiastic,” “ardent,” and “fiery” and is derived from the masculine form Rhys.
- Gender: The name Reese, while primarily popularized in the mid 2000’s as a girl name, is unisex and is ranked number 80 on the list of popular gender neutral baby names for 2021.
- Origin: Reese is the anglicized version of the masculine name Rhys, and originated from Wels, Dutch, and Germanic name Rese.
- Pronunciation: Reese is a one syllable name that is fairly easy to pronounce as it sounds like “peace,” “cease,” or “fleece.”
- Popularity: The name Reese for a girl peaked in 2012, ranking at number 128 with over two-thousand births that year but has steadily declined since then.
- Nicknames: Ray, Rayce, Ree, ReeCee, Reecey, Reecie, Reese’s Pieces, Ree-Ree, Ressie, Rhies, Risa.
- Variations: Race, Rais, Raisa, Raja, Rasha, Reece, Rhys, Rich, Ricio, Rico, Rose, Ross, Rossa, Russ, Rys.
- Namesakes: Reese Griffiths, Reese Johnson, Reese McGuire, Reese Mishler, Reese Rowling, Reese Witherspoon.
What Does Reese Mean?
The name Reese is defined by passion. It is a feminine and unisex variation of the Welsh name Rhys, which translates to “enthusiasm,” “ardent,” and “fiery.”
However, the etymology goes deeper than simply being energetic. The concept of “ardor” implies a burning emotion, great warmth of feeling, and intense devotion. Therefore, Reese is not just a name for a happy child; it is a name for a child with deep conviction, a strong will, and a fiery heart. It suggests a personality that approaches life with zeal and excitement rather than passivity.
Where Does the Name Reese Come From?
Reese is the Anglicized phonetic spelling of the traditional Welsh masculine name Rhys (1). The name has royal roots in the Middle Ages. Rhys was born from the Old Welsh term Rīs and was notably the name of the last king of the Deheubarth kingdom in Wales, Rhys ap Tewdwr, who died in 1093. Because of this lineage, the name has long been associated with nobility, warriors, and leaders in Welsh history.
While the Welsh origin is the most prominent, there are other linguistic threads. The Dutch and Northern German peoples used Reese to denote a large man, translated from Rese, or “giant.” Additionally, in geographical terms, some places in Lower Saxony and Rhineland were called Reese or Rees, denoting idyllic, sprawling land.
How Popular Is the Name Reese?
Reese is a modern staple that found its footing in the American mainstream during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Before this era, the name was predominantly seen as a surname or a male name (often spelled Reece or Rhys).
In the mid-2000s, Reese rose to popularity for girls, largely due to the immense “America’s Sweetheart” influence of actress Reese Witherspoon (born Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon). The name Reese for a girl peaked in 2012, ranking at number 128 with over two thousand births that year (2).
Currently, Reese sits comfortably as a familiar favorite. It is no longer skyrocketing, which is good news for parents who want a recognizable name that isn’t on every single kindergarten cubby. It has transitioned from a trendy hit to a modern classic.
How Do I Pronounce Reese?
Reese is a one-syllable name that is effortless to say. It rhymes with words like “peace,” “cease,” or “fleece.”
The phonetic pronunciation is: REES.
Is Reese a Boy or Girl Name?
Reese is a true unisex chameleon. Historically, the source name Rhys was strictly masculine. However, the phonetic spelling “Reese” has seen a significant shift.
Today, the spelling “Reese” is statistically more popular for girls in the United States, again owing much to pop culture influence. Conversely, the spellings “Rhys” and “Reece” generally lean toward boys. Despite these trends, Reese ranks at number 80 on the list of gender-neutral baby names popular in 2021, making it an excellent choice for parents who prefer gender-fluid or non-binary naming options.
Variations of Reese
Because Reese is derived from a specific Welsh root, its variations mostly depend on spelling preferences across different cultures, particularly between the UK and the US.
Common variations include:
- Rhys: The traditional Welsh spelling (Masculine).
- Reece: A common Anglicized spelling (Unisex/Masculine).
- Ries: A Germanic variation.
- Rice: An older, anglicized surname variation.
- Reis: A variation often found in Yiddish or German contexts.
Nicknames for Reese
Reese is a relatively short name, which can make finding nicknames a fun challenge. However, families often get creative with sound-alike words and playful extensions.
Common and creative nicknames include:
- Ree: The most intuitive short form.
- Ray: A spunky twist on the first vowel sound.
- Reese’s Pieces: An almost inevitable, sweet pet name.
- Ree-Ree: A cute reduplication for toddlers.
- Risa: A lyrical elaboration.
- Reese Cup: Another candy-themed favorite.
- R-Money: A humorous, playful option for a spirited child.
Names Similar to Reese
If you love the crisp sound or the preppy vibe of Reese but want to explore other options, consider these names that share a similar aesthetic.
Names with the same “Cool & Polished” vibe:
- Quinn: Like Reese, this is a punchy, one-syllable Irish surname-name that is effortlessly cool.
- Blair: Shares the preppy, upper-crust feel often associated with Reese.
- Sloane: Sleek, sophisticated, and gender-neutral.
- Rory: Another spirited Celtic name that works for any gender.
- Ellis: A Welsh surname name that feels soft yet distinguished.
- Reagan: Shares the “R” start and the presidential/surname trend.
- Bryce: Rhymes with the “Reese” vibe but offers a slightly harder consonant sound.
- Blake: A one-syllable unisex staple.
Middle Names for Reese
Because Reese is short and ends in a soft “s” sound, it pairs beautifully with longer middle names or names starting with hard consonants.
Classic & Elegant Middle Names
These pairings lean into a sophisticated, timeless aesthetic:
Nature-Inspired Middle Names
To highlight the “fiery” meaning with earthy elements:
Modern & Spunky Middle Names
For a name combination that feels energetic and current:
Sibling Names for Reese
Reese is a simple, classic name that can complement many sibling names. It works particularly well with other surname-style names or Irish/Welsh origins.
For a Brother
For a Sister
Famous People Named Reese
Many famous people have borne this spirited name. You might recognize the following:
- Reese Witherspoon: The most iconic bearer of the name, this American actress and producer is known for Legally Blonde and Big Little Lies. She single-handedly popularized the name for girls in the 21st century.
- Reese Hoffa: An American shot putter and Olympic medalist who brings athletic strength to the name.
- Reese McGuire: An American professional baseball catcher who has played for teams like the Toronto Blue Jays and Chicago White Sox.
- Reese Mishler: American actor commonly known for his character in the horror film The Gallows.
- Rhys Ifans: While using the traditional spelling, this Welsh actor (known for The Amazing Spider-Man and Notting Hill) is a famous example of the name’s pronunciation.
Reese in Pop Culture
Reese is not just a great name that celebrities have; it is also found in several movies and TV shows, solidifying its place in pop culture.
- Kyle Reese: A central hero and soldier from the Terminator movie franchise, representing bravery and protection.
- Reese Wilkerson: The destructive but lovable second-oldest brother in the hit sitcom Malcolm in the Middle.
- Reese Williams: A character on the long-running soap opera All My Children.
- Reese Getty: A character from the television show Lucifer.
FAQs About the Name Reese
Reese is a very popular and friendly-sounding name. Here are the most frequently asked questions to help you decide if it is the right fit for your baby.
Does the Name Reese Have Any Personality Traits?
The name Reese evokes an intelligent, graceful, and spiritual personality type. People named Reese are often friendly and care deeply for others, with the ability to empathize and give good advice. Because the name means “enthusiasm,” these children are often thought to be high-energy and passionate.
Are There Any Colors Associated With the Name Reese?
The colors most notably associated with the name Reese are yellow and gold, likely due to the “fiery” meaning of the name. Green accents are also common due to the name’s Welsh, pastoral heritage.
Is the Name Reese Biblical?
No, the name Reese does not appear in the Bible. It is of Welsh origin rather than Hebrew or Greek. However, it pairs very well with Biblical middle names such as Reese Elijah or Reese Abigail due to its simple, one-syllable structure.
How Do You Spell Reese for a Boy vs a Girl?
While there are no hard rules, “Reese” is the most common spelling for girls in the United States. For boys, the traditional Welsh “Rhys” or the anglicized “Reece” are frequently used to distinguish the gender, though “Reese” remains a perfectly acceptable and popular choice for boys as well.
Is Reese Considered a Dated Name?
Not at all. While Reese had a massive surge in the 2000s, it has not fallen off the map like other trendy names of that era. It has settled into a “modern classic” status, much like the names Brooke or Paige, making it feel established rather than dated.
What Is the Best Sibling Match for Reese?
Reese pairs best with names that are preppy, surname-inspired, or unisex. A sister named Quinn or Sloane, or a brother named Graham or Brooks, creates a cohesive “sib-set” that sounds stylistically consistent.
What Flower Is Associated With the Name Reese?
While there is no official flower for Reese, the Rose is often associated with it simply due to the phonetic similarity. Additionally, the Daffodil is the national flower of Wales, making it a culturally accurate floral symbol for the name.
