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Show ContentsRees History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

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Etymology of Rees

What does the name Rees mean?

The origins of the Welsh name Rees 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 Welsh personal 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 Rees family

The surname Rees 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 Rees family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Rees research. Another 162 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1541, 1601, 1606, 1607, 1615, 1616, 1624 and 1647 are included under the topic Early Rees History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Rees Spelling Variations

Although there are not an extremely large number Welsh surnames, there are an inordinately large number of spelling variations of those surnames. This variety of spellings began almost immediately after the acceptance of surnames within Welsh society. As time progressed, these old Brythonic names were eventually were recorded in English. This process was problematic in that many of the highly inflected sounds of the native language of Wales could not be properly captured in English. Some families, however, did decide to modify their own names to indicate a branch loyalty within the family, a religious adherence, or even a patriotic affiliation. The name Rees has seen various spelling variations: Rees, Reece, Rhys, Ap Rhys and others.

Early Notables of the Rees family

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 Welsh metres, and took an active part in the bardic life of his time. 7Lewys Dwnn or more properly Lewys ap Rhys ap Owain (d. 1616?), was "Deputy-Herald for Wales, derived his accepted surname from...
Another 81 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Rees Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Rees World Ranking

In the United States, the name Rees is the 2,949th most popular surname with an estimated 9,948 people with that name. 8 However, in Newfoundland, Canada, the name Rees is ranked the 295th most popular surname with an estimated 152 people with that name. 9 And in Australia, the name Rees is the 335th popular surname with an estimated 10,675 people with that name. 10 New Zealand ranks Rees as 559th with 1,263 people. 11 The United Kingdom ranks Rees as 153rd with 34,223 people. 12

Rees migration to the United States +

In the 1800s and 1900s, many Welsh families left for North America, in search of land, work, and freedom. Those who made the trip successfully helped contribute to the growth of industry, commerce, and the cultural heritage of both Canada and the United States. In the immigration and passenger lists were a number of people bearing the name Rees

Rees Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • Thomas Rees, who settled in Virginia in 1623
  • Andries Rees, who landed in New York in 1664 13
  • Gwen Rees, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1678-1679 13
  • Ellin Rees, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1678-1679 13
  • Ellis Rees, who landed in Pennsylvania in 1678-1679 13
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Rees Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Hans Rees, who landed in Pennsylvania in 1754 13
  • Jacob Rees, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1760 13
  • Dietrick Rees, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1764 13
  • Catherina Rees, who landed in Pennsylvania in 1797 13
  • Johanes Rees, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1797 13
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Rees Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Elis Rees, who arrived in North America in 1832-1849 13
  • Conrad Rees, who landed in North America in 1832-1849 13
  • Johannes Rees, who landed in North America in 1832-1849 13
  • Johann Werner Rees, who landed in North America in 1832-1849 13
  • John Rees, aged 25, who arrived in Baltimore, Maryland in 1838 13
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Rees migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Rees Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
  • Capt. David Rees U.E. (b. 1738) born in Pennsylvania, USA who died before arriving inCanada c. 1780 married to Elizabeth Babb having 4 children 14

Rees migration to Australia +

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

Rees Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Miss Margaret Rees, British Convict who was convicted in Monmouth, Monmouthshire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Experiment" on 4th December 1803, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 15
  • Mr. David Rees, Welsh convict who was convicted in Pembroke, Pembrokeshire, Wales for 7 years, transported aboard the "Atlas" on 16th January 1816, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 16
  • Mr. Thomas Rees, British Convict who was convicted in London, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Countess of Harcourt" on 8th April 1821, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 17
  • Mr. James Rees, British Convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Earl St Vincent" on 20th April 1826, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 18
  • Mr. William Rees, (Griffiths, Rees, David), Welsh convict who was convicted in Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire, Wales for life, transported aboard the "Bussorah Merchant" on 1st October 1829, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 19
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Rees 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:

Rees Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • Dr. George Rees, (b. 1810), aged 31, British settler travelling from Gravesend aboard the ship "Lord William Bentinck" arriving in Wellington, New Zealand on 24th May 1841 20
  • Mrs. Rees, British settler travelling from Gravesend aboard the ship "Lord William Bentinck" arriving in Wellington, New Zealand on 24th May 1841 20
  • Mr. J. Rees, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Sir Edward Paget" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 19th December 1850 21
  • Mrs. Rees, British settler with 4 children travelling from London aboard the ship "Sir Edward Paget" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 19th December 1850 21
  • Benjamin Rees, aged 31, a blacksmith, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Oliver Lang" in 1856
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Rees (post 1700) +

  • William L. Rees, American Republican politician, Delegate to Republican National Convention from Colorado, 1932 22
  • Warren J. Rees (b. 1908), American Republican politician, Delegate to Republican National Convention from Iowa, 1948; District Judge in Iowa 18th District, 1963-69; Justice of Iowa State Supreme Court, 1969-80 22
  • Thomas Mankell Rees (1925-2003), American Democratic Party politician, Member of California State Assembly 59th District, 1954-62; Member of California State Senate, 1962-65; U.S. Representative from California, 1965-77 22
  • Thomas P. Rees, American Democratic Party politician, Candidate for New York State Assembly, 1956, 1966 22
  • Thomas H. Rees, American Republican politician, Delegate to Republican National Convention from Colorado, 1956 (alternate), 1960 22
  • T. J. Rees, American Democratic Party politician, Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Florida, 1956 22
  • Samuel J. Rees, American Republican politician, Postmaster at Weirton, West Virginia, 1956-65 22
  • Rollin Raymond Rees (1865-1935), American Republican politician, Member of Kansas State House of Representatives, 1899-1902; District Judge in Kansas 30th District, 1903-10; U.S. Representative from Kansas 5th District, 1911-13 22
  • R. R. Rees, American politician, Mayor of Huntington Woods, Michigan, 1933-34 22
  • Paulita Rees, American politician, Candidate in primary for Mayor of Chicago Heights, Illinois, 2003 22
  • ... (Another 43 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Empress of Ireland
  • Miss Annie Rees (1899-1914), Canadian Second Class Passenger from Toronto, Ontario, Canada who was traveling aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 23
  • Captain Harding Rees (1892-1914), Canadian Second Class Passenger from Toronto, Ontario, Canada who was traveling aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 23
  • Captain Ruth Rees (1889-1914), Canadian Second Class Passenger from Toronto, Ontario, Canada who was traveling aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 23
  • Mrs. Ruth Rees (1863-1914), née Babington Canadian Second Class Passenger from Toronto, Ontario, Canada who was traveling aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 23
  • Mr. David Rees (1858-1914), "Commissioner" Canadian Second Class Passenger from Toronto, Ontario, Canada who was traveling aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 23
Hillcrest Coal Mine
HMAS Sydney II
  • Mr. Robert John Rees (1916-1941), Australian Ordinary Seaman from Launceston, Tasmania, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking 25
HMS Cornwall
  • Hywel Glyndwr Rees, British Surgeon Lieutenant-Commander aboard the HMS Cornwall (1942) when she was struck by air bombers and sunk; he survived the sinking 26
HMS Hood
  • Mr. Vernon J Rees (b. 1920), English Stoker 1st Class serving for the Royal Navy from Norwich, Norfolk, England, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking 27
HMS Prince of Wales
  • Mr. W R Rees, British Engine Room Artificer, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and survived the sinking 28
HMS Repulse
  • Mr. John Raymond Rees, British Boy 1st Class, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and died in the sinking 29
  • Mr. William Rees, Welsh Writer from Swansea, Wales, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and survived the sinking 29
HMS Royal Oak
  • D. Rees, British Able Seaman with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he survived the sinking 30
Prince of Wales colliery
  • Mr. John Rees (b. 1839), Welsh coal miner who was working at the Prince of Wales colliery in Abercarn, Wales on the 11th September 1878 when there was a coal mine explosion; he died 31
  • Mr. David Rees (b. 1859), Welsh coal miner who was working at the Prince of Wales Colliery in Abercarn, Wales on the 11th September 1878 when there was a coal mine explosion; he died 31
  • Mr. David Rees (b. 1841), Welsh coal miner who was working at the Prince of Wales Colliery in Abercarn, Wales on the 11th September 1878 when there was a coal mine explosion; he died 31
Senghenydd colliery
  • Mr. David James Rees (b. 1885), Welsh coal miner from Senghenydd, Caerphilly, Wales who was working at the Senghenydd colliery when there was an explosion on the 14th October 1913; he died 32
  • Mr. Gwilym Morgan Rees (b. 1884), Welsh coal miner from Senghenydd, Caerphilly, Wales who was working at the Senghenydd colliery when there was an explosion on the 14th October 1913; he died 32
  • Mr. Lewis Rees (b. 1872), Welsh coal miner from Senghenydd, Caerphilly, Wales who was working at the Senghenydd colliery when there was an explosion on the 14th October 1913; he died 32
  • Mr. Oliver Rees (b. 1894), Welsh coal miner from Senghenydd, Caerphilly, Wales who was working at the Senghenydd colliery when there was an explosion on the 14th October 1913; he died 32
  • Mr. Richard David Rees (b. 1887), Welsh coal miner from Senghenydd, Caerphilly, Wales who was working at the Senghenydd colliery when there was an explosion on the 14th October 1913; he died 32
  • ... (Another 3 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

The Rees 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.
  1. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  2. Smith, Eldson Coles, New Dictionary of American Family Names New York: Harper & Row, 1956. Print
  3. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
  4. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
  5. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  6. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of Wales. Institute of Historical Research, 1849, Print.
  7. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
  8. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  9. The order of Common Surnames in 1955 in Newfoundland retrieved on 20th October 2021 (retrieved from Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland by E.R. Seary corrected edition ISBN 0-7735-1782-0)
  10. "Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
  11. "Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
  12. "UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
  13. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
  14. Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X
  15. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 22nd March 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/coromandel-and-experiment
  16. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 14th July 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/atlas
  17. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 24th March 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/countess-of-harcourt
  18. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 14th September 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/earl-st-vincent
  19. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 10th November 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/bussorah-merchant
  20. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  21. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 26th March 2019). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  22. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2016, January 27) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html
  23. Commemoration Empress of Ireland 2014. (Retrieved 2014, June 17) . Retrieved from http://www.empress2014.ca/seclangen/listepsc1.html
  24. List Of Miners - Hillcrest Mine Disaster Data. (Retrieved 2014, June 24) . Retrieved from http://www.hillcrestminedisaster.com/data/index.php?title=List_Of_Miners
  25. HMAS Sydney II, Finding Sydney Foundation - Roll of Honour. (Retrieved 2014, April 24) . Retrieved from http://www.findingsydney.com/roll.asp
  26. Force Z Survivors Crew List HMS Cornwall (Retrieved 2018, February 13th) - Retrieved from https://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listcornwallcrew.html#A
  27. H.M.S. Hood Association-Battle Cruiser Hood: Crew Information - H.M.S. Hood Rolls of Honour, Men Lost in the Sinking of H.M.S. Hood, 24th May 1941. (Retrieved 2016, July 15) . Retrieved from http://www.hmshood.com/crew/memorial/roh_24may41.htm
  28. HMS Prince of Wales Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listprincecrew.html
  29. HMS Repulse Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listrepulsecrew.html
  30. Ships hit by U-boats crew list HMS Royal Oak (08) - (Retrieved 2018 February, 9th) - retrieved from https://uboat.net/allies/merchants/crews/ship68.html
  31. Entombed in flood and flame (retrieved 3rd August 2021). Retrieved from https://web.archive.org/web/20120603025705/http://www.crosskeys.me.uk/history/prince.htm
  32. Universal Colliery Senghenydd 1913 disaster retrieved 21st September 2019, retrieved from http://www.welshcoalmines.co.uk/deathrolls/SenghenyddDead1913.htm

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