Reese
Reese: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ɹis/
Meaning and origin of Reese
- A male given name
- A female given name transferred from the surname, of 1980s and later American usage.
Etymology
As a given name and British surname generally from Welsh Rhys (literally “ardor”). * Chiefly in North America, the surname may also be from unrelated German Reese (literally “giant”).
How popular is Reese?
Since 1880, 44,775 girls and 19,606 boys in the U.S. have been named Reese (70% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #128 in 2012. Its highest rank for boys was #369 in 2003. In 2025 it ranked #192 for girls, with 2,106 babies given the name.
Names similar to Reese
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Surname unisex names
Sibling name ideas for Reese
Sister and brother names that share Reese's Surname roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Reese FAQ
What does the name Reese mean?
A male given name A female given name transferred from the surname, of 1980s and later American usage. As a given name and British surname generally from Welsh Rhys (literally “ardor”). * Chiefly in North America, the surname may also be from unrelated German Reese (literally “giant”).
What is the origin of the name Reese?
Reese is listed as a name of Surname (transferred from a surname) origin.
How popular is the name Reese?
Since 1880, 44,775 girls and 19,606 boys in the U.S. have been named Reese (70% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #128 in 2012. Its highest rank for boys was #369 in 2003. In 2025 it ranked #192 for girls, with 2,106 babies given the name.
Is Reese a boy or girl name?
Reese is used for both boys and girls in the U.S. (44,775 girls and 19,606 boys since 1880).
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.