Reese Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Reese come from? What does the surname Reese mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Reese and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Rice, Rease, Reece, Reesman, Ress, Rhees
Surname Reese Origin: What does the last name Reese mean?
The surname Reese is an anglicised version of the Welsh name Rhys, meaning 'ardent' or 'fiery'. It has its roots in Wales and England during the 16th century and has since spread to the United States, where it gained prominence in the 18th century. The Reese surname is also found in countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Australia, and South Africa, showcasing its global presence.
YourRoots data confirms the early presence of the Reese surname in Wales and England, with a steady expansion to other countries by the 18th century. Today, the surname can be found in various regions worldwide, reflecting a diverse heritage and continued evolution across different cultures and generations.
Reese Last Name History: Where did the last name Reese come from?
Origin of Reese Surname: Where does the last name Reese originate from?
The earliest record of the surname Reese in YourRoots data is traced back to Wales in the United Kingdom during the 16th century. Keep in mind, this only reflects the exact spelling "Reese" in the YourRoots database, and does not encompass other potential sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Reese: What does the Reese surname history look like in the early days?
The Reese surname remained closely tied to the United Kingdom, specifically in Wales and England, from the 16th to the 17th century, as indicated by the volume of records in the YourRoots database. However, by the 18th century, it began to establish a strong presence in the United States, a trend which continued through the 19th century.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Reese surname today?
With the turn of the 20th century, the United States had the highest frequency of the Reese surname in the YourRoots records. While the United States continues to have a significant volume of the Reese surname records in the 21st century, the data also shows a global spread of the surname in other countries. The Reese surname can be found in various regions around the world, including but not limited to the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Australia, and South Africa.
Explore Reese last name heritage and Reese surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Reese Surame?
Della Reese
Della Reese (Delloreese Patricia Early; July 6, 1931 – November 19, 2017) was a multi-talented American singer, actress, and ordained minister. She achieved fame through her music career, hosting her talk show, and starring in the popular TV series "Touched by an Angel."
Mason Reese
Mason Reese (b. Apr 11, 1965) is an American former child actor known for his iconic television commercials in the 1970s. He later became a successful restaurant entrepreneur in New York City. Reese starred in the short film "Whatever Happened to Mason Reese" in 1990.
Ellen P. Reese
Ellen P. Reese (August 30, 1926 – April 2, 1997) was a renowned psychologist and educator at Mount Holyoke College. She was honored with awards from the American Psychological Association and had a conference dedicated to her memory. The Ellen P. Reese Grants for Faculty/Student Research continue her legacy.
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