What does Rhys mean?
Rhys means “ardour” or “enthusiasm” in Welsh.
What does Ellis mean?
From the Welsh Elis, a form of Elijah, “the Lord is my God,” and linked to “benevolent.”
Rhys vs Ellis
Which is more popular?
Ellis is more popular than Rhys today: about 1,417 US babies were given the name Ellis in 2025, compared with 778 named Rhys.
| Rhys | Ellis | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Ardor, enthusiasm | Benevolent; from Elijah |
| Origin | Welsh | Welsh |
| Gender | Boy | Boy |
| Pronunciation | REES | EL-iss |
| Syllables | 1 | 2 |
| First appeared | 1929 | 1880 |
| Peak year | 2024 (952) | 2025 (1,417) |
| In 2025 | 778 | 1,417 |
| Trend | Rising | Near its peak |
Popularity over time, 1880–2025
Rhys
Ellis
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Births by decade
| Decade | Rhys | Ellis |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 4,857 | 7,039 |
| 2010s | 5,915 | 7,098 |
| 2000s | 2,215 | 2,355 |
| 1990s | 696 | 1,796 |
| 1980s | 314 | 1,514 |
| 1970s | 86 | 1,664 |
| 1960s | 111 | 2,596 |
| 1950s | 105 | 3,970 |
| 1940s | 27 | 4,617 |
| 1930s | 0 | 4,482 |
| 1920s | 8 | 6,125 |
| 1910s | 0 | 4,433 |
| 1900s | 0 | 1,100 |
| 1890s | 0 | 886 |
| 1880s | 0 | 728 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Rhys or Ellis more popular?
Ellis is more popular than Rhys today: about 1,417 US babies were given the name Ellis in 2025, compared with 778 named Rhys.
What is the difference between Rhys and Ellis?
Rhys means Ardor, enthusiasm (Welsh origin), while Ellis means Benevolent; from Elijah (Welsh origin).
Which name is older, Rhys or Ellis?
In US records, Rhys first appears in 1929 and Ellis in 1880, so Ellis has the longer recorded history.