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 experienced significant growth in popularity over time, with a substantial increase in births recorded from the late 1980s onwards. Between 1880 and 1985, there were relatively few births with the name Reece each year, ranging between 5 and 29 births annually. However, starting from 1986, the number of births with this name began to rise dramatically, peaking at 686 births in 2023. Overall, since 1880 until 2023, there have been a total of 20597 births registered as Reece.