Reese

📖 About Reese

Reese is an anglicized variant of the Welsh name Rhys, derived from the Old Welsh "Ris" meaning enthusiasm, ardor, or passion. The name carries deep roots in Welsh royalty — Rhys ap Gruffydd (The Lord Rhys) was one of the most prominent rulers of medieval Wales, leading the Kingdom of Deheubarth in the 12th century and becoming a key figure in Welsh resistance against Norman expansion. Over the centuries, the spelling shifted as the name crossed into English-speaking contexts: Rees emerged first, followed by Reese, which gained particular traction in the American South. Once predominantly masculine, Reese has become increasingly popular as a unisex name in the United States since the late 1990s, a shift widely attributed to the rising fame of actress Reese Witherspoon. The name retains a crisp, modern feel while carrying centuries of Celtic heritage.