Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Reese

The name Reese is an anglicized version of the Welsh male name Rhys, and is an expanded form of the original English spelling Rees. The Welsh Rhys comes from an old Celtic word meaning ‘ardour, passion.’ The name is traditionally male but has experienced a gender-crossover in “reese’nt” years, particularly in America. The Welsh names “Ris” and “Rhys” would develop into several surnames from the original personal name in the later medieval period, but Rhys, Reese and Reece have become widespread forenames outside of Wales. In England, Scotland and Wales, Rhys and Reece are highly ranked boys’ names. The United States apparently prefers Reese (with an “s”) and they fancy it more as a girl’s name.

All About the Baby Name – Reese

Personality

OF THE UNISEX NAME REESE

The number Seven personality is deeply mystical and highly in tune with their spirituality. They operate on a different wavelength than the average joe. Spending time alone comes easily to Sevens, as it gives them time to contemplate philosophical, religious and spiritual ideas in an effort to find "real truth".  Sevens are wise, but often exude mystery as if they are tapped into something the rest of us don't understand. They love the outdoors and are fed by nature. Sevens are constantly seeking to understand human nature, our place in the universe, and the mystery of life in general. This makes them quite artistic and poetic, but they are also keen observers with high intellect - so they are equally scientific-minded. Sevens are charitable and care deeply about the human condition.

Popularity

OF THE UNISEX NAME REESE

Reese is a unisex name in America, although it’s quite a bit more popular for little girls than for boys. On the American naming charts, the originally masculine Reese dates back to 1880 (as far as naming trends have been recorded). Over the course of 100 years, the name sort of languished on the charts. It wasn’t until the late 1980s that Reese for boys started to pick up steam. Between 1988 and 2001, the boy’s name Reese advanced over 600 positions on the popularity charts. Then something interesting happened. In the year 2000, Reese debuted on the popularity charts as a girl’s name. Intent on challenging her male counterpart, Reese jumped over 400 spots on the charts in two short years quickly bringing a feminine sensibility to the name. These years (2001-2003) happen to coincide with Reese Witherspoon’s mega-career. This adorable and talented actress brought her own name into the limelight and American parents responded. The female Reese quickly surpassed the popularity of the male Reese, and the two have been going in opposite directions on the charts ever since. This one-syllable name has a simple elegance combined with a Celtic/Welsh flavor making it an irresistible choice. It’s different but not obscure. It’s unpretentious but not boring. It’s confident and filled with understated “passion”. We love the name Reese for both girls and boys, but respectfully advocate the classical and original Welsh spelling Rhys for the little boys.

Quick Facts

ON REESE

GENDER:

Unisex

ORIGIN:

Celtic

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

1

RANKING POPULARITY:

N/A

PRONUNCIATION:

REES

SIMPLE MEANING:

Ardor, passion

Characteristics

OF REESE

Mystical

Wise

Eccentric

Intuitive

Imaginative

Philosophical

Solitary

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Reese

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME REESE

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Reese

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME REESE

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Reese


Popular Songs

ON REESE

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Reese


Famous People

NAMED REESE

Reese Witherspoon (actress)
Reese Witherspoon (actress)
Reese Witherspoon (actress)

Children of Famous People

NAMED REESE

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Reese

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME REESE

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Reese