The name Rice is of English origin and it's a surname that was derived from the Middle English word "ris," which means rice. The name was likely given to someone who worked with or sold rice, or perhaps lived in a house known by this name.
The surname Rice has a long history dating back to the 13th century. Records of the name can be found in various counties throughout England, suggesting that it was quite widespread during medieval times. The first recorded spelling of the name is believed to be from the year 1275, when a Henry Ris was listed in the Hundred Rolls of Cambridgeshire.
Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved and varied. Some common variations include Rise, Rys, Ryce, Riceh, and Ricer. However, despite these changes, the meaning behind the name has remained consistent: rice.
Today, Rice is still a popular surname in many English-speaking countries around the world. It's also used as a given name, particularly in the United States, where it has gained popularity in recent years. Despite its origins and history, the name Rice is not associated with any specific holidays or personality traits, making it a unique and distinctive choice for both boys and girls.
Statistics on the given name Rice show a varied pattern of popularity over time in the United States. Between the years 1880 and 1972, there were a total of 287 births with the first name Rice.
The earliest record we have is from 1880, with 9 babies named Rice born that year. However, the popularity of the name fluctuated greatly in the following years. For instance, it dropped to just 5 births each in 1893 and again in 1896, before rising back up to 6 births in 1897.
The name's popularity seemed to rise slightly during the early 20th century. In the decade between 1912 and 1922, there were at least 6 births per year on average. The highest point of this period was in 1923 with 12 births.
However, after 1923, the popularity of the name Rice started to decline again. Between 1924 and 1950, there were never more than 7 births per year. It's interesting to note that during this period (from 1938 onwards), every year had exactly 5 or 6 births, suggesting a stable but low level of popularity.
The name Rice remained relatively uncommon in the latter half of the century as well. From 1951 until 1972, there were only 5 births each year with this name. This trend suggests that while the name Rice has had its moments of popularity over time, it has not been a particularly common choice for parents in the United States.