Rees is a name of Welsh origin, derived from the Welsh word "rhi" which means "lord". The name has been associated with prominent figures in Wales throughout history. One such figure was Rhodri Mawr (Rhodri the Great), who ruled over Gwynedd in the late ninth century and early tenth century. He had a son named Cadwallon ap Rhodri, whose name is derived from "Cad" meaning "battle" and "wallon" meaning "leader". Although Rees was not his actual name, it has been suggested that it may have been used as a diminutive form of Cadwallon.
The name Rees has a unique history of popularity and usage in the United States over the past century. The first recorded birth with this name occurred in 1914, with five newborns receiving it that year. This number remained relatively stable for several years, fluctuating between five and eight births annually until 1953.
Intriguingly, there was a significant spike in popularity during the mid-1950s when 13 babies were named Rees in just one year (1953). However, this trend did not continue, as the number of annual births with this name fluctuated between five and nine throughout the following decades.
The late 1980s and early 1990s saw another surge in popularity for the name Rees. Between 1989 and 1995, there were more than 20 births each year, with a peak of 31 newborns bearing this name in 1998. This period marks the most popular era for the name Rees in recent U.S. history.
However, popularity has since declined, with fewer than ten babies being named Rees annually between 2014 and 2023. Despite this decrease, it is important to note that there continues to be a steady stream of newborns receiving the name Rees each year, indicating that it remains a relevant choice for parents.
In total, over the past century, approximately 986 babies have been named Rees in the United States. This figure represents both the enduring appeal and the shifting trends surrounding this particular name throughout American history.