Rhys

Rhys is a male given name of Welsh origin. It is the Welsh form of the medieval name Rhŷs and is common in Wales and in English-speaking countries. The exact etymology is debated, but it is often linked to Welsh roots associated with ardor, growth, or vitality, and it is usually pronounced like Reese.

Historically, the name has been borne by several medieval Welsh rulers, including Rhys ap Gruffydd, commonly known as Lord Rhys, a 12th-century prince of Deheubarth, and Rhys ap Tewdwr, who ruled Deheubarth in the late 12th century.

Modern usage and notable people include Rhys Ifans, a Welsh actor and musician; Rhys Darby, a New Zealand actor and comedian; and John Rhys-Davies, a Welsh-born actor whose hyphenated surname includes Rhys. The name remains popular in Wales and among Welsh communities abroad.

Variants and related names include Reese and Reece in English. As a surname, Rhys appears in hyphenated forms such as Rhys-Davies, and the given name is often used independently in contemporary contexts.