Rising since 1985, #410 for boys today.
Popularity of Rhys since 1929
Babies named Rhys per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1920s | 0 | 8 |
| 1930s | 0 | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 | 27 |
| 1950s | 0 | 105 |
| 1960s | 0 | 111 |
| 1970s | 0 | 86 |
| 1980s | 0 | 314 |
| 1990s | 44 | 696 |
| 2000s | 228 | 2,215 |
| 2010s | 318 | 5,915 |
| 2020s | 297 | 4,857 |
Meaning & origin
Rhys is a short, strong Welsh name that has seen a steady rise in popularity in the United States since 1985, reflecting a broader trend toward Celtic and traditional names. In 2025, it ranked #410, with a frequency of 1 in 2,195 boys, and it reached its peak rank (#410) in the same year. The name is most popular in Delaware, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania, which have higher concentrations of families with Welsh heritage. Despite its ancient roots, Rhys retains a modern feel and is increasingly chosen by parents seeking a distinctive yet accessible name.
Rhys is a traditional Welsh name derived from Old Welsh Ris, probably meaning 'ardor' or 'fiery warrior.' It has been borne by Welsh royalty and nobility since the Middle Ages, including Rhys ap Gruffydd (12th century ruler of Deheubarth). In modern times, the name has gained popularity beyond Wales, particularly in English-speaking countries.
Where Rhys 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.
“Rhys” around the world
Where Rhys lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Ireland
27
babies in 2025
New Zealand
14
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand).
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Rhys
Names that share Rhys's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Eira, Gwen, Ffion, Megan, Sian, Afton, Gwyneth, Maven, Tegan, Wynne, Brienne, Bronwyn, Brynne, Carys, Greer, Gwenda, Gwenn, Gwenyth, Gwyn, Gwynne, Kahlan, Lynae, Merideth, Ardyth, Arwyn, Brinn, Bronwen, Elen, Emlyn, Glenys, Glynnis, Gwendalyn, Gwendlyn, Kimbra, Mellody, Meredyth, Rhian, Seren, Siani, Talise, Tyne, Vale, Wynette, Anwen, Carlyon, Cerys, Dai, Deryn, Devoiry, Elynn, Gaynor, Glynna, Gweneth, Gwenith, Gwenna, Gwenneth, Gwynneth, Jazzmyne, Kalah, Menna, Merryn, Reise, Rhianne, Rhya, Riannon, Ryn, Saphira, Aneira, Anwyn, Azaylie, Day, Koralynn, Mairyn, Rhiannan, Rus, Salene, Taela, Wrynn
Brothers: Evan, Owen, Gareth, Dylan, Llewellyn, Caron, Crew, Glynn, Howell, Kane, Kip, Kye, Layne, Reid, Trevor, Vaughn, Wynn, Beck, Emrys, Glyn, Griffith, Kaine, Powell, Shaw, Slade, Steffan, Taran, Trystan, Vaughan, Ayrton, Bevan, Bren, Carvin, Dorrian, Kyair, Llewyn, Owyn, Reeve, Sion, Yul, Alwyn, Bard, Berwyn, Bran, Brenin, Calan, Griff, Gwin, Kyce, Madoc, Marquee, Nesta, Pryce, Raife, Reyn, Toryn, Trevar, Wyn, Rhonin, Shuan, Bates, Cadel, Calcifer, Dmir, Gaelan, Garan, Given, Guage, Ioan, Kashtin, Llewelyn, Lloyde, Morgon, Nevyn, Owain, Rahm, Tejon
Names like Rhys
Names whose popularity has moved with Rhys's over the last 50 years.
