Reece is a name of Irish origin, derived from the Irish surname "Riocárd," which means "ardent power." The name Reece has been used as both a given name and a surname throughout history. In its original form, Riocárd was an Irish Gaelic name that was later anglicized to Reese.
The name Riocárd is believed to have originated from the Old Norse name Hróðgeirr, which means "famous spear." This suggests that the name Reece may have Viking origins as well as Irish roots. The name Reece has been used in various forms throughout history, including the Middle English form of Reese, which was a nickname given to someone who resembled a hare.
Over time, the name Reece has become increasingly popular, particularly in English-speaking countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom. Today, it is often used as a given name for boys but can also be used as a surname or even as a unisex given name.
In literature and popular culture, there are several notable figures named Reese, including the American actor Reese Witherspoon and the British singer-songwriter Reece Mastin. However, despite its popularity in recent years, the name Reece remains relatively uncommon compared to other names of Irish origin such as Patrick or Brendan.
Overall, the name Reece is a unique and distinctive choice with both Irish and Viking roots, making it an appealing option for parents looking for a name that combines history and originality.
The name Reece has a fascinating history of popularity in the United States, as indicated by the provided statistics on annual births from 1880 to 2023.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the name Reece had a modest presence, with fewer than 10 births per year between 1880 and 1914. However, there was a significant increase in popularity beginning in 1915, when the number of annual births rose to 42. This trend continued, reaching an all-time high of 686 births in 2023.
Between 1915 and 1974, the name Reece experienced periods of growth and decline, but generally maintained a steady level of popularity. The 1960s saw a slight resurgence, with annual births ranging from 21 to 39 between 1960 and 1970.
From 1975 onwards, there was another significant increase in the popularity of the name Reece. Beginning with just 17 births in 1974, the number of annual births grew rapidly over the next decade, reaching 165 births in 1990. This upward trend continued throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, peaking at 830 births between 1998 and 2001.
In recent years, the popularity of the name Reece has leveled off somewhat, with annual births fluctuating around 450 to 600 since 2007. Despite this slight decline from its peak in the early 2000s, Reece remains a popular choice for parents in the United States.
In total, over the course of 143 years (from 1880 to 2023), there have been a combined 20,597 births with the name Reece in the United States. This demonstrates that while the popularity of the name has varied throughout history, it has consistently been a recognizable and appealing choice for parents across several generations.