Reese is an anglicization of the Welsh name Rhys, which means "ardor; enthusiasm." Rhys (see also) is a boys' name, and Reese has traditionally been used for boys until the actress Reese Witherspoon (born Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon) made it fashionable for girls at the end of the 20th century.See Also: Reece, Reese (girl), Rhys (girl), Rhys