"enthusiasm, ardent"
Origin: Old Welsh
Language: Welsh
Reece
Pronunciation: [ r-EES ]
Does Reece flow with your last name?
A fiery Welsh royal name meaning passion and ardor
Welsh
English
American
Classic
Strong
Minimalist
Bold
Vintage
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"passion, fire"
Origin: Welsh
Language: English
Browse names with similar meanings:
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The Story of Reece
Reece is an English phonetic spelling of the Welsh name Rhys, one of the oldest and most revered names in Wales. Rhys derives from the Old Welsh rhud or ardor, meaning enthusiasm, passion, or ardent. The name was borne by several medieval Welsh princes, most famously The Lord Rhys (Rhys ap Gruffudd, 1132-1197), who was considered the greatest Welsh ruler of the 12th century.
The Reece spelling gained American popularity as an anglicized alternative to the Welsh Rhys, making the pronunciation clear for English speakers. It consistently ranks in the top 500 US boys names and has gained additional visibility through British-Welsh actors.
Rhys/Reece is deeply embedded in Welsh culture, one of the defining names of the Welsh people. The Lord Rhys hosted the first recorded Eisteddfod (Welsh cultural festival) in 1176. The name remains a symbol of Welsh heritage and pride.
Historical Record
Reece first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 19,789 babies have been named Reece in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Reece is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #455 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The Lord Rhys organized the first recorded Eisteddfod in Cardigan Castle in 1176
- Rhys is consistently one of the top 5 boys names in Wales
Reece in Other Languages
Welsh
Rhys
French
Rhys
English
Reece
Popularity Over Time
#455
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Reece
R
Reece James
Athlete
2000
English professional footballer who plays for Chelsea and the England national team
R
Rhys Ifans
Actor
1967
Welsh actor known for Notting Hill, The Amazing Spider-Man, and Elementary
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #455
- Total SSA Count
- 686
- Cultural Origins
- Welsh English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Nicknames
Ree
Rey
Reeie
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Reece
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Reece is also used as a girl name, ranked #1434.
View Reece as a girl name →Similar Names
See all names like Reece →Compare Reece with...
Same Origin Names (Welsh)
See all Welsh names →Names with Similar Meaning
Names that share meaning themes with Reece
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Frequently Asked Questions About Reece
What does the name Reece mean?
"enthusiasm, ardent" (from Old Welsh). "passion, fire" (from Welsh). Reece is an English phonetic spelling of the Welsh name Rhys, one of the oldest and most revered names in Wales. Rhys derives from the Old Welsh rhud or ardor, meaning enthusiasm, passion, or ardent. The name was borne by several medieval Welsh princes, most famously The Lord Rhys (Rhys ap Gruffudd, 1132-1197), who was considered the greatest Welsh ruler of the 12th century.
What is the origin of the name Reece?
Reece has Old Welsh, Welsh, English, and American origins. In Old Welsh, it means "enthusiasm, ardent". In Welsh, it means "passion, fire".
Is Reece a boy or girl name?
Reece is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #455. As a girl name, it is ranked #1434. Reece is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Reece?
Reece is pronounced r-EES.
How popular is the name Reece?
Reece is currently ranked #455 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Reece?
Common nicknames for Reece include Ree, Rey, and Reeie.
What are good middle names for Reece?
Popular middle name pairings include Reece James, Reece William, Reece Alexander, Reece Thomas, Reece Owen, Reece Morgan, and Reece Gareth.
What are good sibling names for Reece?
Names that pair well with Reece as siblings include Owen, Evan, Finn, Dylan, Gwen, Morgan, and Bryn.
How many syllables does Reece have?
Reece has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Reece a common or rare name?
Reece is a popular name, ranked #455 for boys. It is well-known without being overused.
About the Name Reece
Reece is a boy name with Welsh, English, and American origins . The name means "enthusiasm, ardent" in Old Welsh .
Is Reece a boy or girl name? Reece is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #455 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #1,434. Reece is more commonly used as a boy name.
Reece is currently ranked #455 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Reece has 1 syllable and is pronounced r-EES, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Reece include Ree, Rey, and Reeie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis