Rhys
Rhys is a boy's name of Welsh origin.
Meaning
Ardor, passion, or enthusiasm.
Origin and history
Rhys is a traditional Welsh name meaning ardor or enthusiasm. It has a long history in Wales and has gained steady popularity in the United States in recent decades. The name offers a classic Celtic heritage with a modern, single-syllable appeal.
Popularity in the United States
14,334 babies in the United States have been named Rhys since 1880. It ranks #996 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #388.
States where it is most popular
- CA (12.7 %)
- TX (7.5 %)
- PA (7.3 %)
- NY (6.5 %)
- FL (5.1 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 0 |
| 1920-1930 | 8 |
| 1930-1940 | 0 |
| 1940-1950 | 27 |
| 1950-1960 | 105 |
| 1960-1970 | 111 |
| 1970-1980 | 86 |
| 1980-1990 | 314 |
| 1990-2000 | 696 |
| 2000-2010 | 2,215 |
| 2010-2019 | 5,915 |
| 2020-2029 | 4,857 |
Famous people named Rhys
- Rhys Darby: Actor, Comedian
- Rhys Ifans: Actor
- Rhys Hoskins: Athlete, Baseball Player
Fun facts
- Rhys ap Gruffydd was a prominent 12th-century ruler of the Kingdom of Deheubarth in South Wales.
- The name has risen significantly in U.S. rankings during the 2020s alongside spelling variants like Reese.