Reese is a gender-neutral given name of English origin. It is derived from the surname Reese, which is an Anglicized form of the German surname Reuß or Rice, meaning "red-haired" in both cases. The name Reese has gained popularity as a unisex given name in recent years, particularly in the United States.
The earliest known use of Reese as a given name can be traced back to the late 19th century in the United States. However, it was not until the mid-20th century that it began to appear with any regularity as a given name. Since then, its usage has continued to grow, particularly among parents who are looking for unique and distinctive names for their children.
Reese is also associated with several notable individuals in popular culture. For example, Reese Witherspoon is an Academy Award-winning actress known for her roles in films such as "Legally Blonde" and "Wild." Meanwhile, Reese Edenton is a character from the television series "Lost," played by actress L. Scott Caldwell.
Overall, Reese is a name that combines a unique sound with a timeless meaning, making it an attractive choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their child. Its gender-neutral nature also adds to its versatility and appeal.
The name Reese has a fascinating history when it comes to its popularity in the United States. From 1880 to 2023, there have been fluctuations in the number of babies born with this name each year.
In the late 19th century, the name Reese was quite rare, with fewer than 10 births per year between 1880 and 1910. However, starting from around 1914, we began to see a steady increase in its popularity, reaching a peak of 52 births in 1916.
The early to mid-20th century saw a decline in the use of the name Reese, with fewer than 50 births per year from 1923 onwards. However, this trend reversed in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with the number of births rising significantly.
In 1998, there were 365 babies named Reese, marking a significant turning point in the name's popularity. The following year saw an even greater increase, with 500 births. This trend continued throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, with peaks of 709 births in 2003 and 698 births in 2004.
After 2005, the popularity of the name Reese started to decline once again. However, it remains a relatively popular choice, with 438 babies named Reese in 2023 alone. In total, since 1880, there have been 18,671 babies born with the name Reese in the United States.
This data illustrates how the popularity of a name can change over time, reflecting cultural shifts and trends. It also shows that while Reese may not have always been one of the most popular names, it has nonetheless maintained a consistent presence throughout American history.