Reece History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The origins of the Welsh name Reece go back to those ancient Celts known as the Britons that once occupied the hills and Moors of Wales. This old Welsh surname is from the Welshpersonal name Rhys, which also took the forms Rice and Rees. [1] [2] This name was originally derived from the Old Welsh forename Ris, which means ardour. [2]

Early Origins of the Reece family

The surname Reece was first found in Carmarthenshire (Welsh: Sir Gaerfyrddin), located in Southwest Wales, one of thirteen historic counties and presently one of the principal area in Wales. Sir Elidir Dhu who flourished temp. Richard I., was the direct descendant of the family of Rees of Killymaenllwyd, county Carmarthen. [3]

The name Rees appears in the Domesday Book of 1086 in Cheshire [4] and later as a forename, Resus filius Griffini was listed in the Pipe Rolls for Devon in 1178. Griffinus filius Res, or Ris was listed in the Pipe Rolls for Shropshire and Gloucestershire in 1198. In Lincolnshire, William Res was found in the Curia Regis Rolls for 1203 and later, John Rees was listed in the Feet of Fines for Suffolk in 1288. Later again, Walter Rys was listed in the Subsidy Rolls for Worcestershire in 1327. [5]

“In 1115, Grufydd ab Rhys, Prince of South Wales, took sanctuary in the church of Aberdaron, from the treachery of Grufydd ab Cynan, sovereign of North Wales, who intended to deliver him into the hands of the English monarch, Henry I. The young prince escaped with his partisans by night, and set forward on his journey to the deep forest of Strath Towy, in South Wales, where, having collected the adherents of his family, he commenced hostilities against the Norman and Flemish settlers. ” [6]

Later Cheshire, England became a stronghold for the family as the Wills at Chester listed: Thomas ap-Reese, 1606; Thomas Rees, of Tybroughton, 1647; and Giles Reece, coinmaker, of Chester. [1]

Early History of the Reece family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Reece research.

Reece Spelling Variations

Although there are comparatively few Welsh surnames, they have a great many spelling variations. Variations of Welsh names began almost immediately after their acceptance within Welsh society. In the Middle Ages, it was up to priests and the few other people that recorded names in official documents to decide how to spell the names that they heard. Variations that occurred because of improper recording increased dramatically as the names were later transliterated into English. The Brythonic Celtic language of Wales, known by natives as Cymraeg, featured many highly inflected sounds that could not be properly captured by the English language. Spelling variations were, however, also carried out according to an individual’s design: a branch loyalty within the family, a religious adherence, or even patriotic affiliations were all indicated by the particular variation of one’s name. The spelling variationsof the name Reece have included Rees, Reece, Rhys, Ap Rhys and others.

Early Notables of the Reece family (pre 1700)

Prominent amongst the family during the late Middle Ages was Edmund Prys (c. 1541-1624), Welsh translator of the psalms into Welsh verse, son of Sion (John) ap Rhys of Tyddyn Du in the parish of Maen Twrog, Merionethshire. Prys was a skilful composer in the strict Welshmetres, and took an active part in the bardic life of his time. [7] Lewys Dwnn or more properly Lewys ap Rhys ap Owain (d. 1616?), was “Deputy-Herald for Wales, derived his accepted surname.

Reece Ranking

In the United States, the name Reece is the 1,278^th most popular surname with an estimated 24,870 people with that name. [8]

 Reece migration to the United States +

The Welsh began to emigrate to North America in the late 1800s and early 1900s in search of land, work, and freedom. Those that arrived helped shape the industry, commerce, and the cultural heritage of both Canada and the United States. The records regarding immigration and passenger show a number of people bearing the name Reece: 

Reece Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

• Gennet Reece, who arrived in America in 1654-1679 [9]
• Roger Reece, who landed in America in 1654-1679 [9]
• Ann Reece, who landed in New England in 1662 [9]
• Henry Reece, who settled in Nevis in 1663 along with Jane
• Richard Reece, who arrived in New England in 1668 [9]

Reece Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

• Matthew Reece, aged 17, who landed in Pennsylvania in 1738 [9]
• Jacob Reece, aged 49, who landed in Pennsylvania in 1738 [9]

Reece Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

• John Reece, who arrived in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1828 [9]
• William Reece, who arrived in Alabama in 1858 [9]
• Barbara, Jacob, Mathew, Thomas and William Reece all, who arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1870

 Reece migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were: 

Reece Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

• Mr. Alexander Reece U.E. who settled in Cumberland Bay, Queens County, New Brunswick c. 1784 [10]

 Reece migration to Australia+

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include: 

Reece Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

• Mr. Richard Reece, English convict who was convicted in Shropshire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the “Dromedary” on 11th September 1819, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen’s Land) [11]
• Charles Reece, Jr., English convict from Worcester, who was transported aboard the “Asia” on September 3rd, 1820, settling in New South Wales, Australia [12]
• Mr. William Reece, English convict who was convicted in Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England for life, transported aboard the “Aurora” on 3rd November 1833, arriving in New South Wales, Australia [13]
• Mr. John Reece, English convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for 14 years, transported aboard the “Fairlie” on 14th October 1833, arriving in New South Wales, Australia [14]
• Mr. Thomas Reece, English convict who was convicted in Cumbria (Cumberland), England for 7 years, transported aboard the “Elphinstone” on 27th May 1837, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen’s Land) [15]

 Reece migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include: 

Reece Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

• Mr. William Reece, (b. 1802), aged 45, Welsh , born in Glamorgan, Wales settler arriving as 1st detachment of Royal New Zealand Fencible Corps travelling from Tilbury, Essexaboard the ship “Ramillies” arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 6th August 1847 [16]
• Mrs. Mary Ann Reece née Fitzgerald, (b. 1816), aged 31, Irish , born in Ireland settler travelling from Tilbury, Essex aboard the ship “Ramillies” arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 6th August 1847 [16]
• Mr. John Reece, (b. 1832), aged 15, Welsh , born in Glamorgan, Wales settler travelling from Tilbury, Essex aboard the ship “Ramillies” arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 6th August 1847 [16]
• Miss Elizabeth Reece, (b. 1838), aged 9, English , born in Devon settler travelling from Tilbury, Essex aboard the ship “Ramillies” arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 6th August 1847 [16]
• Miss Delinah Reece, (b. 1841), aged 6, Welsh , born in Glamorgan, Wales settler travelling from Tilbury, Essex aboard the ship “Ramillies” arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 6th August 1847 [16]

Contemporary Notables of the name Reece (post 1700) +

• Jane B. Reece (b. 1944), American scientist and textbook author
• Shakera Kiella Valena Reece (b. 1988), Barbadian sprinter at the 2011 Pan American Games
• Florence Reece (1900-1986), American social activist, poet, and folksong writer, known for the song, “Which Side Are You On?”
• Beasley Young Reece Jr. (b. 1954), American NFL football defensive back who played from 1976 to 1984
• Gabrielle Allyse Reece (b. 1970), American professional volleyball player, sports announcer, fashion model and actress
• Brazilla Carroll Reece (1889-1961), American politician, Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Tennessee (1921-1931)
• Marcel Antoine Wayne Reece (b. 1985), American NFL football fullback for the Oakland Raiders
• Christopher “Chris” Reece (b. 1959), American musician
• Jimmy Reece (1929-1958), American racecar driver
• Alicia Reece, American Democratic Party politician, Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Ohio, 2000, 2004 ; Candidate in primary for Mayor of Cincinnati, Ohio, 2005 [17]

The Reece Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Spes melioris aevi
Motto Translation: The hope of a better age.