Reece first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Reece has been for the last 50 years (from 1975 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Reece

Derived from the Welsh name Rhys, meaning enthusiasm or ardent.

Popularity of Reece by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Reece is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 80% of people named Reece being male.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 686 male babies and 155 female babies born with the name Reece.

YearMale CountFemale Count
2024686155
2023686171
2022560127
2021483130
2020470137
2019482133
2018455147
2017458160
2016477176
2015492179
2014512217
2013510225
2012558198
2011617221
2010630202
2009654269
2008716244
2007676253
2006700227
2005779218
2004695219
2003757180
2002779152
2001798104
2000661102
199956478
199848543
199729334
199625628
199526011
19942526
19932200
19922160
19911660
19901650
19891400
19881520
19871150
19861070
1985670
1984510
1983420
1982400
1981310
1980410
1979330
1978160
1977270
1976270
1975230

The history of the first name Reece

The name Reece has its origins in the Welsh language and culture, with its roots tracing back to the early medieval period. It is derived from the Welsh word "rhys," which means "ardor" or "enthusiasm." The name gained popularity in Wales during the Middle Ages and was often associated with individuals of prominent status or nobility.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Reece can be found in the historical records of the Welsh princes and rulers. In the 12th century, a Welsh prince named Rhys ap Gruffydd, also known as The Lord Rhys, played a significant role in the struggle against Norman rule in Wales. His legacy contributed to the enduring popularity of the name among the Welsh people.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Reece or its variations. One such individual was Reece Winstone (1900-1991), a Welsh actor known for his roles in films like "The Elephant Man" and "The Dresser." Another prominent bearer of the name was Reece Shearsmith (born 1969), an English actor, writer, and comedian best known for his work in shows like "The League of Gentlemen" and "Inside No. 9."

In the literary realm, Reece Pemberton (1904-1950) was an American novelist and short story writer whose works often explored themes of race and social injustice. Additionally, Reece Wilkinson (1890-1968) was a British artist known for his landscape paintings and depictions of rural life.

While the name Reece has Welsh roots, it has also been adopted and used in various other cultures and languages. For instance, in English-speaking countries, the name has gained popularity as a variant of the more common name "Rhys." It has also been used as a surname, although this report focuses solely on its use as a given name.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Reece was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Reece, please contact us.

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