Editor’s note: This post was originally published on May 6, 2008 and substantially revised on November 15, 2011.
He’s a short, storied name for boys that brings to mind peanut butter cups and Hollywood actresses. But he should conjure up images of Wales.
Our Baby Name of the Day is Rhys.
I’ve never been to Cardiff, but I harbor romantic notions about Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau. That’s Welsh for “Land of My Fathers,” the unofficial national anthem.
Like many a traditional boys’ name, Rhys is a single-syllable, but he’s far more exotic than Tom or Jack. His sound is conventional, but his spelling marks him as an import.
The name’s meaning translates roughly to enthusiasm, or perhaps ardor or eagerness. In any case, it’s a nice enough backstory for a simple and uncomplicated name. Should your son ever venture to Wales, he can even explore Cardigan Castle, briefly held by the twelfth century Rhys ap Gruffydd, the Prince of Deheubarth. Most accounts list him as a capable ruler, one who kept a Welsh kingdom together despite pressure from outside forces. His coat of arms appears above. He’s not the first Rhys, though – the name appears in the historical record in the century prior, worn by Rhys’ grandfather.
There are tons of notable men who have worn the name, most from the United Kingdom, where Rhys has a longer history of use. There are plenty of athletes, actors (Rhys Ifans is probably the best known at the moment), and a slew of fictional figures, too. Actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers keeps the name in the public eye, and the current Countess of Wessex – wife of Prince Edward, and thus daughter-in-law to the Queen of England, was born Sophie Helen Rhys-Jones.
But the best known Rhys probably isn’t a Rhys – or a he, even. Reese Witherspoon – born Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon – has had a long, successful career spanning two decades. She’s propelled the name into favor for girls.
But there’s a clear split based on spelling:
- In 2006, Reese ranked #159 for girls and #443 for boys. By 2010, Reese had climbed slightly for girls, reaching #136, and fallen to #492 for boys.
- Alternative spelling Reece was #434 for boys in 2010, down a few places from his 2006 ranking of #413. The spelling is still unranked for girls.
- Then there’s Rhys. From #915 in 2006 for boys to #471 in 2010, Rhys is on fire.
Rhys feels almost unthinkable for a girl, while the other two spellings are less clearly tied to a gender.
As a surname, there are other possible origins for Rhys, and many accomplished individuals
His sound fits so well with the short, single-syllable boys’ names parents are embracing, like Cole and Jack. And just like many a trend, his popularity in the UK seems to presage a rise in the US. It’s impossible to say if Rhys will reach the heights enjoyed by those other names, but it seems possible.
If you’re looking for an unusual appellation that comes by a creative spelling naturally, Rhys is one to consider.
The first time I saw this name I was confused on how to pronounce it but once I found out it was the traditional welsh spelling for Reese I fell in love with this spelling. Its funny that with most other unisex names, using a “y” spelling would plant if firmly in the pink but this spelling is the only one of the three that is clearly male. I wonder how long that will last.
I do like the sound of Rhys, but people are still unable to pronounce this name and think it is ‘creative’ so it puts me off using it.
I always thought it was pronounced “Rizz.” I like either way, though. Nice name!
To be quite honest, this kind of sounds like a girl’s name to me. Like it though!
This is one of those names that will forever remain a guilty pleasure for me. I’d love to use it, but it clashes horribly with my one-syllable-starts-with-R last name. 🙂 Alas.
Well, I used to think my name was Irish or something. Pretty close, even though I’m Indian. 😀 Thanks ApMtn for clearing that up for me.
Personally I love the fact that it stands out simply by virtue of having no vowels in it. XD
Cheers!
My sons are Owen and Rhys. I debated long and hard over the spelling Rhys or Reece, even after his birth! I was so torn, but Rhys seems to have so much more character and I loved the y in it, and the fact it was the Celtic version, as it seemed to “go with” my older son’s name Owen. People are unsure how to pronounce it at first and perhaps his life would have been easier if I spelt it Reece, but somehow it just doesn’t have the same sense of style. So I am hoping it catches on a little bit, just so it is doesn’t sound as obscure! Kara
You named your boys my two favorite names! You have excellent taste 🙂 I just adore Rhys, wish I could use it as a first name but as my husband is Japanese, it’s too wierd for his liking. Maybe as a middle name then…
thank you! we just had a third son, who we named Finn. Perhaps you might like Kai, which was also one on my list. I think it has Welsh and Japenese roots. Rhys is a cool name and once people adjust to seeing it they seem to like it.
I love your comment on Rhys William, because I am planning on naming my little boy, Liam Rhys. 🙂
I knew a Rhys Williams years ago. The names wears so well on a grown man – and I think it’s quite cute for a boy, too. But you’re right – if you don’t *know* the origin of the name, the “hy” looks a bit invented at first.
Love it! It’s one of those names that looks a bit silly until you realise it’s Welsh. Then it makes sense. If only the man liked it, it would be on my very short list, with James and Dexter and Theo.