REESE
Reese
Origin and Meaning: The surname Reese is of Welsh origin, derived from the personal name Rhys or ap Rhys, which translates to 'ardour' or 'fiery warrior'. Rhys is a common Welsh given name that dates back to medieval times.
History: The Reese surname has ancient roots in Wales, where it was first found in the region of Glamorgan. The Rhys family played a prominent role in Welsh history, with notable figures such as Rhys ap Gruffydd, a powerful prince of medieval Wales. Over time, variations of the name, such as Rees, Reece, and Reice, emerged as branches of the original lineage.
Distribution: The surname Reese is most commonly found in Wales and the bordering regions of England. It has also spread to other English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia, through Welsh migration.
Famous Bearers:
- Matthew Rhys Evans (known professionally as Matthew Rhys): A Welsh actor known for his roles in "The Americans" and "Perry Mason".
- Reese Witherspoon: An American actress with Welsh ancestry, known for her roles in "Legally Blonde" and "Big Little Lies".
Variants: Variant forms of the Reese surname include Rees, Reece, Rease, and Reice.
Coat of Arms: The Reese family coat of arms typically features elements such as lions, stars, and scallops, reflecting its Welsh heritage and noble lineage.
Trivia:
- The name Reese gained popularity as a first name in the United States due to actress Reese Witherspoon's fame.
- The Welsh spelling of the name, Rhys, has regained popularity in recent years, particularly in Wales and among followers of Welsh culture.
References:
- Thomas, P. (2003). Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary. London: Routledge.
- Morgan, P. (2010). The Welsh Surnames of Wales. Cardiff: Welsh Heritage Press.
There are approximately 670 people named Reese in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around ten in a million people in Britain are named Reese.
Surname type: From given name or forename
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Wales
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Welsh
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Alan
- Andrew
- Daniel
- David
- Gareth
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Nicholas
- Philip
- Robert
- Stephen
- Timothy
Female
- Angela
- Anne
- Barbara
- Elizabeth
- Hayley
- Jennifer
- Lorraine
- Margaret
- Mary
- Pamela
- Rebecca
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Erese
- Race
- Raees
- Raese
- Raess
- Raise
- Rase
- Rass
- Rasse
- Raza
- Raze
- Reace
- Reader
- Rease
- Reasey
- Rece
- Reece
- Reeces
- Reecse
- Rees
- Reeseg
- Reeser
- Reeses
- Reess
- Rehse
- Rehsi
- Reice
- Reis
- Reise
- Reish
- Reisi
- Reiske
- Reiss
- Reisz
- Resa
- Resce
- Rese
- Resh
- Resi
- Resk
- Reske
- Ress
- Ressa
- Resse
- Resue
- Resy
- Reus
- Reyce
- Reyes
- Reyse
- Reyss
- Rezae
- Rezaee
- Rhees
- Rheese
- Rice
- Riece
- Ries
- Riese
- Riess
- Riesz
- Riis
- Rise
- Roese
- Roos
- Rous
- Rouse
- Rowse
- Royce
- Ruis
- Ruiz
- Ruse
- Russ
- Russo
- Ryce
- Wrase
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.