Rhys is a Welsh masculine given name derived from the Old Welsh form Rhŷs. The name has an uncertain origin but it may be related to the element rhudd, meaning "red". Alternatively, Rhys could be derived from the Breton form Ris, which means "ardor" or "zeal".
The earliest known bearer of the name Rhys was Rhys ap Tewdwr, who ruled Deheubarth in southwest Wales during the early 11th century. His grandson, Rhys ap Tewdwr II, founded the Norman castle of Carmarthen in about 1093. The name became popular in Wales and was later adopted by English speakers.
Rhys has been used as a given name since the Middle Ages and has been borne by several notable figures throughout history. One famous bearer of the name is Rhys Ifans, a Welsh actor known for his roles in films such as "Notting Hill" and "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy". Another notable Rhys is the American musician Rhys Chatham, who is known for his work in minimal music.
Today, Rhys continues to be used as a given name in Wales, England, and other parts of the English-speaking world. It has gained popularity in recent years due to its distinctive sound and historical significance. The name Rhys is often associated with Welsh culture and heritage, but it has also become popular among parents who appreciate its unique sound and meaning.
The name Rhys has seen a significant increase in popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 12,592 births recorded between 1929 and 2023.
In the early years, the number of births per year was relatively low, ranging from 5 to 17 births annually between 1946 and 1968. However, there were some notable peaks during this period, with a high of 23 births recorded in 1979.
Starting in the late 1980s, there was a steady increase in the popularity of the name Rhys. In 1985, there were 41 births, and by 1990, this number had nearly doubled to 51 births. The late 1990s saw an even more significant rise in popularity, with 76 births recorded in 1996 and 98 births in 1998.
The turn of the century marked a significant turning point for the name Rhys. Between 2000 and 2023, there were over 7,500 births recorded, with the number of births per year increasing steadily each year. The highest number of births recorded in any single year during this period was in 2023, with a total of 924 births.
Overall, these statistics show that while Rhys may have started out as a relatively uncommon name, it has since become quite popular in the United States. Its increasing popularity over time suggests that many parents are choosing this name for their children, likely drawn to its unique sound and meaning.