Rhys is a moderately popular boys' name in England & Wales, ranking #389 in 2025 with 106 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2008 with 1,600 births ranking #49. Since 1996, the popularity has decreased by 91.6%. In 2025, approximately 1 in every 2,565 boys born was named Rhys. FALLING Recent data shows the name is currently falling.
Rhys is a classic Welsh name meaning ardour or enthusiasm. It has a compact elegance and feels both traditional and modern at once.
The name has deep roots in Welsh history and later gained wider use through the growing popularity of Celtic names. Its clean shape has helped it travel especially well.