Rhys Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Rhys is a Welsh name that means enthusiasm or ardor, deriving from the Old Welsh form 'Rys.' The name has evolved through various historical forms and remains popular in modern times, particularly in Wales, where it is associated with positive traits. There is no biblical relevance tied to this name.
The name Rhys is most popular in Colorado, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Rhys has been too falling for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, too falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Rhys' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 5699th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2572nd out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 3260th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1729th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 757th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 443rd out of 23106 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 21628th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 5335th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 3928th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Rhys' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Rhys"
Pronunciation
/riːs/
Origin
Welsh
Etymology
The name Rhys derives from the Welsh word 'rhyse,' which means 'enthusiasm' or 'ardor.' It is also associated with the Old Welsh form 'Rys.'
Meaning
enthusiasm, ardor
Language Evolution
Old Welsh: Rys, Middle Welsh: Rhys, Modern Welsh: Rhys
Historical Usage
The name Rhys has been in use since the medieval period in Wales and gained popularity during the 20th century, particularly in the context of Welsh nationalism.
Variants & Derivatives
Reese, Rhiannon
Modern Popularity & Image
Rhys is currently considered a trendy and modern name in Wales and has gained some popularity in English-speaking countries, often viewed as a strong and appealing name.
Famous People
Rhys Ifans, a Welsh actor, Rhys Darby, a New Zealand comedian and actor
Explore More Rhys Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Rhys"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Rhys"
"Rhys" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 5699th of 6773 | 13 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 2572nd of 7552 | 193 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 3260th of 10718 | 158 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 1729th of 16616 | 692 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 757th of 24088 | 4,170 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 443rd of 23106 | 8,321 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 21628th of 27321 | 13 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 5335th of 35406 | 379 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 3928th of 30306 | 457 |
Regional Popularity of "Rhys" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- |
63.82% 2223rd/3483 |
- | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
64.56% 2379th/3685 |
55.66% 2491st/4475 |
41.30% 2145th/5194 |
28.37% 1792nd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
15.54% 712th/4582 |
12.88% 665th/5164 |
12.33% 902nd/7313 |
9.11% 680th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
10.99% 438th/3984 |
7.20% 323rd/4487 |
7.65% 522nd/6822 |
7.20% 452nd/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Rhys" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
100.00% 4582nd/4582 |
94.17% 4863rd/5164 |
100.00% 7313th/7313 |
87.11% 6501st/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
100.00% 3984th/3984 |
71.72% 3218th/4487 |
100.00% 6822nd/6822 |
74.49% 4675th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Rhys"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Rhys" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.