What Does the Name Reese Mean?
Reese is a unisex name of Welsh origin meaning “ardor, enthusiasm.”
Updated June 2026
| Name | Reese |
|---|---|
| Gender | unisex |
| Origin | Welsh |
| Meaning | ardor, enthusiasm |
| Variants | Rhys, Reece, Rees, Reece |
| Popularity | Rose in US popularity for girls in the 2000s while remaining used for boys; a well-known modern unisex name. |
The meaning and origin of Reese
The name Reese means “ardor, enthusiasm” and has Welsh origins. An Anglicized form of the Welsh name Rhys, from Old Welsh Ris meaning 'ardor' or 'enthusiasm.' Historically a Welsh male name, the Reese spelling became popular for girls in the US, partly influenced by actress Reese Witherspoon.
Variants and related names
Reese is related to several other names you may recognize: Rhys, Reece, Rees, Reece. These share a common root or are spelling and language variants of the same name.
How popular is the name Reese?
Rose in US popularity for girls in the 2000s while remaining used for boys; a well-known modern unisex name.
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Open the name generator →Frequently asked questions
What does the name Reese mean?+
The name Reese means “ardor, enthusiasm” and is of Welsh origin.
What is the origin of the name Reese?+
Reese originates from Welsh.
Is Reese a popular name?+
Yes — see the popularity note above for how Reese has trended in the US over time.
Reese by gender
More unisex names
Sources
- Behind the Name — Etymology and history of first names — Behind the Name
- US Social Security Administration — Popular baby names by year — Social Security Administration
- A Dictionary of First Names — Oxford Reference — Oxford University Press