Reese

Meaning of Reese

Reese strides out of the Welsh mist—its roots in the ancient name Rhys, meaning “ardent” or “fiery”—and promptly hops the Atlantic, swapping the y for a double-e and gaining a breezy, modern glow. He, she, or they (this one happily plays for either team) now shows up everywhere: on Hollywood red carpets thanks to icon Reese Witherspoon, in sci-fi lore with brave Kyle Reese, and even in lunch boxes as that irresistible chocolate-and-peanut-butter treat. The name’s story reads like a rocket chart—quiet for decades, then whoosh!—climbing from a handful of U.S. births in the mid-1990s to a sturdy Top-200 fixture by the 2010s, a surge that mirrors Witherspoon’s star turn and parents’ growing love for crisp, one-syllable names. Pronounced simply “REES,” it’s as easy on the tongue as it is on the ears, balancing Celtic fire with American cool. In short, Reese is the kid who can ace the spelling bee, score the winning goal, and still share candy afterward—spirited yet approachable, classic yet current, and always, always ready for adventure.

Pronunciation

Welsh

• Pronunced as REES (/reɪs/)

American English

• Pronunced as REESE (/riːs/)

• Riley
• Remi
• Reagan
• Rowan
• Ryan
• Rory