Holding steady, #6,803 for boys today.
Popularity of Reiss since 1990
Babies named Reiss per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 0 | 42 |
| 2000s | 15 | 79 |
| 2010s | 49 | 52 |
| 2020s | 0 | 38 |
Meaning & origin
Reiss is a name of uncertain origin, likely a variant of the Welsh name Reese, meaning ardor or enthusiasm. First recorded in the U.S. in 1990, it peaked in popularity in 1999. As of 2025, it ranked 6803, with about 1 in 142,340 newborns receiving the name, indicating a stable but low level of usage. The name is most commonly given in New York. While the trajectory remains stable, Reiss remains a distinctive choice, blending a familiar sound with a spelling that sets it apart from the more common Reese and Rhys.
Reiss is likely a variant of the Welsh name Reese, which derives from the Old Welsh name Ris, meaning 'ardor' or 'enthusiasm'. The spelling Reiss may also arise as an Anglicization of the German surname Reiss, meaning 'giant' or 'rice'. In the Welsh context, the name has been in use as both a given name and a surname, with the double-s form gaining some popularity in the late 20th century.
Where Reiss is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ree
Sibling names for Reiss
Names that share Reiss's style, for a brother or sister.
