Declining since 2011, #192 for girls today.
Popularity of Reese since 1880
Babies named Reese per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 0 | 81 |
| 1890s | 0 | 91 |
| 1900s | 0 | 103 |
| 1910s | 0 | 376 |
| 1920s | 6 | 518 |
| 1930s | 0 | 357 |
| 1940s | 0 | 397 |
| 1950s | 5 | 503 |
| 1960s | 0 | 558 |
| 1970s | 0 | 488 |
| 1980s | 0 | 752 |
| 1990s | 372 | 2,327 |
| 2000s | 13,824 | 6,438 |
| 2010s | 20,182 | 4,108 |
| 2020s | 10,386 | 2,509 |
Meaning & origin
Reese, a unisex name of Welsh origin, has been in use in the United States since at least 1924. It reached its peak popularity in 2012, when it ranked highest among newborns. Since 2011, its usage has been on a gradual decline, though it remains a well-known choice. In 2025, Reese ranked 192nd overall, with a 1-in-985 frequency. Geographically, it has been most popular in Delaware, North Dakota, and New Hampshire. The name's Welsh roots, meaning 'ardor' or 'zeal,' connect it to a rich heritage, and its simple, one-syllable sound has made it a modern favorite for both boys and girls.
Reese is an anglicized form of the Welsh name Rhys, derived from an ancient Celtic word meaning 'ardor' or 'enthusiasm.' Historically, Rhys was a common name among Welsh royalty and nobility, borne by rulers like Rhys ap Gruffydd (12th century). The spelling Reese gained popularity in the United States, particularly during the 20th century, and is now used for both boys and girls.
Where Reese is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ree, Reesy
Sibling names for Reese
Names that share Reese's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Ella, Lily, Ava, Leila, Lola, Brynn, Jamie, Peyton, Blaire, Cambria, Clarke, Collins, Fallon, Jaycee, Laine, Lynette, Palmer, Ravyn, Saige, Sloan, Sloane, Yareli, Atlee, Avarie, Daylin, Devine, Ensley, Halston, Kenzi, Lynden, Morgen, Parris, Rainey, Rowyn, Shaye, Aisley, Averey, Bradie, Colbi, Corley, Falyn, Grier, Halsey, Kensi, Klee, Landrie, Payge, Ramey, Renn, Rynn, Sidnee, Swayze, Tatem, Teigen, Aigner, Anslie, Bre, Cassity, Chae, Cheney, Courtenay, Cydne, Evynn, Kelce, Kirbie, Lanee, Marce, Marly, Mckell, Perris, Quinci, Quynn, Reise, Rhylin, Ryn, Sayre, Schylar, Syndey, Taige, Tris, Witney, Aubrynn, Jaid, Allix, Blayre, Brenn, Caedence, Carling, Demri, Dylana, Emjay, Keamber, Kenni, Knoelle, Kwynn, Lennan, Massey, Parys, Reene, Rhayne, Saije, Skyeler, Taitum, Wrynn
Brothers: Ryan, Jack, Luke, Noah, Owen, Blake, Cade, Cash, Dean, Gage, Nash, Vaughn, Baylor, Brock, Channing, Dane, Gibson, Kendell, Lane, Layne, Pierce, Rion, Rowen, Torrey, Tre, Tripp, Tye, Breck, Breckin, Cadyn, Chayse, Crue, Dru, Griffen, Jourdan, Kaydin, Kc, Kendrix, Kipp, Kohl, Lenox, Parks, Payden, Pearce, Price, Quincey, Race, Rayce, Ryne, Shaw, Slade, Steele, Torrance, Torre, Truitt, Tysen, Banx, Baylon, Bretton, Caldwell, Chanse, Chaston, Criss, Derin, Drey, Evann, Harvard, Hays, Heith, Hughes, Kayler, Khylan, Kru, Lean, Nylan, Owens, Parish, Randale, Rayon, Renner, Rowe, Ryett, Seeley, Styles, Syre, Tait, Tayte, Toddrick, Trigg, Whitt, Ames, Cabot, Cayne, Chaise, Chayne, Chett, Coburn, Cowen, Crosley, Dak, Deakin, Dekker, Foxx, Griffyn, Hunt, Jaise, Jaymin, Jhett, Kahne, Kasch, Kashden, Keen, Kevis, Kindred, Korver, Kyce, Kyreese, Law, Lexton, Merrik, Neiman, Pruitt, Raife, Ronson, Slayde, Stokes, Swayde, Syd, Taite, Tannon, Trayce, Tuck, Tag, Tank, Tryce, Tyton, Acelin, Acesyn, Breece, Brenner, Breven, Brodric, Cambren, Carsin, Cashe, Catcher, Chanz, Cohl, Cope, Crewe, Dreydon, Gaje, Gamble, Gardiner, Guage, Guinn, Jayzen, Jp, Jrake, Kardell, Layn, Merdith, Ndrew, Nore, Racer, Rane, Reace, Remon, Rhet, Riese, Rilen, Seger, Shayde, Slone, Stran, Trask, Tresten, Vedder, Wyler
Names like Reese
Names whose popularity has moved with Reese's over the last 50 years.
