Rhett
Rhett is a boys' name of Dutch origin meaning “Advice or counsel.” It ranked #188 in the United States in 2025. Derived from a Dutch surname meaning advice, or possibly from the Welsh 'Rhys.'
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how do you pronounce Rhett?
REHT
where does the name Rhett come from?
An anglicization of the Dutch surname de Raedt, advice, first borne by a South Carolina family; it is not a form of the Welsh Rhys.
Rhett Butler, the charismatic hero of Gone with the Wind, firmly established this name in American popular culture.
how popular is this name?
Rhett has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 70 years since 1955, and fell outside it for 1. It peaked at #149 in 2021, and ranked #188 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #188 |
| 2024 | #174 |
| 2023 | #165 |
| 2022 | #151 |
| 2021 | #149 |
| 2020 | #159 |
| 2019 | #166 |
| 2018 | #167 |
| 2017 | #180 |
| 2016 | #220 |
| 2010 | #606 |
| 2000 | #675 |
| 1990 | #840 |
| 1980 | #701 |
| 1970 | #647 |
| 1960 | #927 |
| 1955 | #836 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Rhett fell outside the top 1,000.
the history of Rhett
The character Rhett Butler, in Margaret Mitchell's 1936 novel Gone with the Wind and its 1939 film, made the name widely known.
who are famous people named Rhett?
- Rhett Butler (fictional)
- Rhett McLaughlin
what names are similar to Rhett?
what names go well with Rhett?
Sibling names that share Rhett's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Rhett
What does the name Rhett mean?
Rhett means “Advice or counsel”.
What is the origin of the name Rhett?
Rhett comes from the Dutch naming tradition.
How popular is the name Rhett?
Rhett ranked #188 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 2021, at #149, and it has spent 70 years in the top 1,000 since 1955.
Is Rhett a boy or girl name?
Rhett is primarily a boys' name.
How do you pronounce Rhett?
Rhett is pronounced REHT, with 1 syllable.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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