StorkWorldstorkworld com
boy name · Welsh origin

Rhys

/ REES /
Boy Welsh 1 syllable
Meaning
Rhys means Ardor, enthusiasm (Welsh).
Gender
Boy
Origin
Welsh
Pronunciation
REES
Popularity
#412 · U.S. boys (2025)
Popularity of Rhys in the US, 1880–2025
19401960198020002020

Rhys first appears in US records in 1929. It peaked in 2024, when 952 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 778.

Source: US Social Security Administration.

Is Rhys popular?

Rising Rhys has climbed over the past decade, given to more boys now than ten years ago.

US babies given the name Rhys, by decade
2020s 4,857
2010s 5,915
2000s 2,215
1990s 696
1980s 314
1970s 86
1960s 111
1950s 105
1940s 27
1920s 8

Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.

What does Rhys mean?

Rhys means “ardour” or “enthusiasm” in Welsh.

Names like Rhys

Welsh names with a similar feel and popularity.

See all names like Rhys →

Names that pair well with Rhys

Popular Welsh names for a sibling or a middle name.

Compare Rhys

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Rhys mean?

Rhys means Ardor, enthusiasm. Rhys means “ardour” or “enthusiasm” in Welsh.

What is the origin of the name Rhys?

Rhys is of Welsh origin.

How do you pronounce Rhys?

Rhys is pronounced “REES.”

Is Rhys a boy or a girl name?

Rhys is most commonly used as a boy name.

Is Rhys a popular name right now?

Rhys has climbed over the past decade, given to more boys now than ten years ago.

How popular is the name Rhys?

In 2025, Rhys ranked #412 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.

When was the name Rhys most popular?

Rhys was most popular in 2024, when about 952 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.

What names are similar to Rhys?

Names similar to Rhys include Ellis, Emrys, Bryn, Eirian, Deian.

What names go well with Rhys?

Welsh names that pair well with Rhys include Megan, Dylan, Morgan, Owen, Evan.