About the name Rhys
The origin of Rhys is debated, and we couldn't confirm its meaning from a sourced etymology. A commonly cited theory links it to Welsh roots, with the meaning “Ardor, enthusiasm”. Treat that as a theory, not a settled fact.
Why we say this: we only state a meaning as fact when a sourced etymology (Wiktionary, with its references) supports it. For Rhys we didn't find one we were confident in, so we show the popular explanation as a theory.
It has a modern, short & sweet feel. In 2025, Rhys ranked #412 for boys in the US, with 778 babies given the name. Its peak year since 1940 was 2024. Since 2000, 94% of US babies named Rhys were boys.
- US rank 2025
- #412
- In 2015
- #514
- Babies in 2025
- 778
Popularity of Rhys, 1940–2025
Latest SSA data: 2025.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration national baby names (public domain; names given to at least 5 babies of one sex per year).
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Rhys
Your last name
born on your big day
7 LB 4 OZ · 20 IN
The Baby Kit
See Rhys on a birth announcement
Birth announcements, shower invitations, nursery wall art and milestone cards, all personalized with Rhys. Type your details once and print at home or at any print shop.
Nicknames for Rhys
Rhys is already short and sweet, so it doesn't usually get a nickname.
Names similar to Rhys
Name meanings marked or linked “Wiktionary” are adapted from Wiktionary by Wiktionary contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; each name page links its source entry.