Rhys

A classic masculine Welsh name, it was borne by 2 early Welsh rulers, Rhys ap Tewdwr who died in the battle of Brecon (1040-1093) and his grandson Rhys ap Gruffydd (1132-1197), who fought against the invading Normans.

The name is derived from the Old Welsh rīs which means “passion, ardor, fiery, enthusiasm.”

The name is borne by several other historical Welsh personages and has spun the surnames of Price (son of Rhys) and Rice. It is sometimes anglicized as Reece or Reese.

Rhys is currently the 464th Most Popular Male Name in the United States (2018) and the 196th Most Popular in England & Wales (2018).

Its anglicized offshoot of Reece currently ranks in as the 599th Most Popular Male Name in the United States (2018) and the 326th Most Popular Male Name in England & Wales (2018), whereas Reese is the 659th Most Popular Male Name.

The name is currently borne by British actor, Rhys Ifans.

Sources

• https://www.behindthename.com/name/rhys
• https://ohbabynames.com/all-baby-names/rhys/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhys
• https://geiriadur.uwtsd.ac.uk/
• https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Rhys