What does Reiss mean and where does it come from?
Reiss can be a name commonly associated with German origins, meaning 'to rise,' as well as bearing connotations related to might and power from Old German. In recent times, Reiss has gained popularity in English-speaking countries. The name is used both as a first name and a surname, and may also re
Cultural significance
Reiss has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of to rise.
Peak popularity
Reached #11601 in 2011 — currently #8772 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
Germanic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Reiss?
Reiss works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Reiss Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Reiss Rose
Floral · soft ending
Reiss Mae
Sweet · timeless
Reiss Claire
French influence · crisp
Reiss Jane
Literary · strong
Reiss Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Reiss right now?
Rising fast — up 3226 spots — currently #8772 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #8772 | 9 | ▲ up 3226 · +50% births |
| 2022 | #11998 | 6 | ▲ up 1544 · -14% births |
| 2015 | #13542 | 7 | ▲ up 541 |
| 2010 | #14083 | 7 | — |
The story of Reiss
Reiss is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2004. With 243 total births recorded, Reiss remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #14083 in 2010 to #8772 in 2023. Reiss is used for both genders: 26% female and 74% male.
Names that peaked alongside Reiss in 2011:
Reiss by decade
Reiss peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1990s | 42 | |
| 2000s | 94 | |
| 2010s ★ | 101 | |
| 2020s | 6 | |
💎Reiss has only 243 total recorded births since 2004 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Reiss?
Famous people named Reiss
R(
Reiss (Norse explorer)
Reiss carried this name across Scandinavia and into the North Atlantic during the Viking Age.
R(
Reiss (German philosopher)
Reiss used this name in the rich tradition of German intellectual and philosophical culture.
R(
Reiss (Scandinavian royal)
Reiss held this name in the Nordic royal courts, giving it aristocratic prestige across Northern Europe.
R(
Reiss (Germanic saint)
Reiss spread this name through the Germanic missionary tradition of early Christianity.
👑
Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Reiss?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Reiss also consider these
Common questions about the name Reiss
What does the name Reiss mean?
Reiss means "to rise" — a name rooted in Germanic tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Reiss?
Reiss is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Reiss have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Reiss?
Reiss originates from Germanic tradition. Germanic names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Reiss?
Reiss is a one-syllable name pronounced R AY1 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Reiss sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Reiss flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Reiss ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.