Rhys

[inamini]

I really like the name Rhys as a contender if we have a boy. However, we have no Welsh connections (we have plenty of connections with other countries, but I really struggle to find boys names I like!)

What do people think about the name Rhys, and about using it without Welsh links?

In Wales it's a normal, traditional boys names. However, I believe in England it has been spelt Reece and has been considered downmarket which, quite frankly, pisses me off. I loathe it when perfectly ancient, traditional celtic names are looked down upon by the English middle classes.

I have a Rhys, I'm Irish with no Welsh connections either. Never had anyone actually ask if there was a Welsh connection or issue with spelling etc.

Agree with PP, it is considered downmarket by lots of people. I never liked it because it sounds so much like grease.

It will be pronounced Reece in England.

Reece is a solid name if you have no Welsh or Celtic connections imo.

If you don’t pronounce it the Welsh way then regardless of the spelling it’s unlikely that people will automatically think you’re making a Welsh link. My name starts with Rh too - it’s called a digraph - and it’s very different from the flat ‘r’ sound in Rhodium or Rhythmic.

Does it really matter whether you have Welsh connections or not? I'm Welsh but have a Persian name. If you like the name, go for it!

Thanks all. It’s the Rhys spelling I’d go for, I’m not so keen on the Reece or Reese spellings, but wouldn't mind it being pronounced that way (and I understand that it would be pronounced differently in Wales).
We’re in Scotland and I can’t think of anyone I’ve met here named Rhys, young or old. But I do love it.

I know 2 Rhys, neither Welsh. If you like the name then go for it.

I actually like it but it does have certain connotations in England if that bothers you

How is it pronounced in Wales?

I love it! One of my favourites- sounds great pronounced either way. Simple, well known but not overused, masculine but soft. Great name.

You don’t have to be Welsh to pick Rhys.
Great name (and can’t be shortened so even better)

Like this: https://www.tiktok.com/@huw650/video/7374397312984042784

Roll the R and aspirate the H.

By rolling the R

Rhys is lovely. Personally I prefer Reece, as no Welsh connections, but either is nice. I don't think it's down-market at all. It was perhaps a little overused in the late 90s/early 00s, so naturally it was going to be used by people from all sorts of backgrounds, but these days it's not overly popular (where I am, in England). I really like it.

I know a few boys called Rhys in England. Lovely name.

The R and h is one letter not two, and sounds like R and H said at the same time. It's not a rolled R. It's not a sound you get in English.
The y is like 'ee' but not quite.(tongue needs to be in a horseshoe shape)
The s is s like in Thomas.

It's very popular and classic in Wales. I think it's not very classy elsewhere.

Reece

I'd have no idea how to pronounce Rhys?!

https://www.tiktok.com/@huw650/video/7374397312984042784

I'm Welsh and have an Italian name and my dc have Irish names- no one has ever questioned it

Thank you all for your opinions on the name!
I think I’ll keep it as a contender as I do think it’s beautiful. My own name is from another country, but it’s a parent’s country of origin so it feels a little different.
Thanks again.

In Scotland too and I know of a boy called Reiss, so another spelling to consider.

@chergar,don't tell me, he's got a sister called Zara.

Love the name Rhys - superb!

Also a big fan of Rhys Darby - main actor in Our Flag Means Death....