Origin and Meaning of Rhett

Meaning & Origin

Advice; counsel; a person who is a strong leader

Origin: English - The name Rhett is derived from an old English surname, 'Rhett', which means 'advice' or 'counsel'. It was also possibly influenced by the Dutch word 'recht', meaning 'right' or 'correct'.

Interesting Facts

  • Rhett rose to popularity in the United States in the late 20th century, largely attributed to the character Rhett Butler from Margaret Mitchell's novel 'Gone with the Wind'.
  • Rhett is a primarily masculine name, but there are instances of it being used in a unisex context, particularly in modern naming trends.
  • Notable bearers include actor Rhett Butler, portrayed by Clark Gable in the classic 1939 film adaptation of 'Gone with the Wind', and Rhett Akins, a successful country music singer-songwriter.
  • The name gained significant traction in the U.S. during the 1990s and 2000s, often appearing in popular names lists and frequently used in various forms of media.
  • Similar names include Rhettson, a rare variant, and the more traditional name Rhett also extends to the surname Rhett, but this usage is far less common.