What does Elin mean?
Elin is the Welsh form of Helen, “light” or “torch.”
What does Reese mean?
From the Welsh Rhys, “ardour” or “enthusiasm.”
Elin vs Reese
Which is more popular?
Reese is more popular than Elin today: about 1,631 US babies were given the name Reese in 2025, compared with 53 named Elin.
| Elin | Reese | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Light | Ardour, enthusiasm |
| Origin | Welsh | Welsh |
| Gender | Girl | Girl |
| Pronunciation | EL-in | REESS |
| Syllables | 2 | 1 |
| First appeared | 1893 | 1924 |
| Peak year | 2011 (428) | 2012 (2,459) |
| In 2025 | 53 | 1,631 |
| Trend | Declining | Declining |
Popularity over time, 1880–2025
Elin
Reese
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Births by decade
| Decade | Elin | Reese |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 553 | 10,386 |
| 2010s | 3,032 | 20,182 |
| 2000s | 369 | 13,824 |
| 1990s | 143 | 372 |
| 1980s | 145 | 0 |
| 1970s | 111 | 0 |
| 1960s | 109 | 0 |
| 1950s | 138 | 5 |
| 1940s | 164 | 0 |
| 1930s | 77 | 0 |
| 1920s | 85 | 6 |
| 1910s | 87 | 0 |
| 1900s | 25 | 0 |
| 1890s | 14 | 0 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Elin or Reese more popular?
Reese is more popular than Elin today: about 1,631 US babies were given the name Reese in 2025, compared with 53 named Elin.
What is the difference between Elin and Reese?
Elin means Light (Welsh origin), while Reese means Ardour, enthusiasm (Welsh origin).
Which name is older, Elin or Reese?
In US records, Elin first appears in 1893 and Reese in 1924, so Elin has the longer recorded history.