Rising since 1985, #460 for boys today.
Popularity of Reece since 1880
Babies named Reece per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 0 | 61 |
| 1890s | 0 | 26 |
| 1900s | 0 | 60 |
| 1910s | 0 | 305 |
| 1920s | 0 | 433 |
| 1930s | 0 | 341 |
| 1940s | 0 | 275 |
| 1950s | 0 | 268 |
| 1960s | 0 | 270 |
| 1970s | 0 | 284 |
| 1980s | 0 | 785 |
| 1990s | 200 | 2,878 |
| 2000s | 1,968 | 7,216 |
| 2010s | 1,858 | 5,199 |
| 2020s | 923 | 3,567 |
Meaning & origin
Reece is the Anglicized spelling of the Welsh name Rhys, which has ancient roots in Celtic aristocracy. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1880 and experienced a steady rise in popularity beginning in the mid-1980s, with a peak rank of 200th in 2001. As of 2025, it holds rank 460, reflecting a 1-in-2,530 birth rate. While bearing a unisex profile, Reece remains more common for boys. Its top states include South Dakota, New Hampshire, and Montana, indicating regional preference in the northern plains and New England. The name's trajectory has been rising since 1985, aligning with a broader trend toward Welsh and Celtic names in American naming culture.
Reece is an Anglicized spelling of the Welsh name Rhys, which derives from a Celtic root meaning 'enthusiasm' or 'ardor'. Historically borne by rulers of the kingdom of Deheubarth in medieval Wales, the name gained popularity in the English-speaking world through migration and as a surname. Its spelling variant Reece emerged as a common given name form in the 20th century.
Where Reece is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Reece” around the world
Where Reece lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
9
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Reece
Names that share Reece's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Reece
Names whose popularity has moved with Reece's over the last 50 years.
