What does Maurice mean and where does it come from?
Maurice comes from the Latin 'Maurus', originally meaning 'dark-skinned' or 'Moorish'. While traditionally male, it has been occasionally used as a female name, especially in modern naming trends and variations. Its usage extends in various countries, particularly France and the United States. Famou
Cultural significance
Maurice has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Latin-speaking communities, where it reflects values of dark-skinned.
Peak popularity
Reached #833 in 1915 — currently #972 in the US.
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Related Reading
Latin-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Maurice?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Maurice?
Maurice works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Maurice Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Maurice Rose
Floral · soft ending
Maurice Mae
Sweet · timeless
Maurice Claire
French influence · crisp
Maurice Jane
Literary · strong
Maurice Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Maurice right now?
Rising — up 24 spots — currently #972 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #972 | 226 | ▲ up 24 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #996 | 224 | ▼ down 166 · -22% births |
| 2021 | #830 | 287 | ▲ up 12579 · +5640% births |
| 1995 | #13409 | 5 | ▼ down 6930 · -62% births |
| 1990 | #6479 | 13 | ▼ down 3053 · -48% births |
| 1985 | #3426 | 25 | ▼ down 211 · -4% births |
| 1980 | #3215 | 26 | ▲ up 424 · +44% births |
| 1975 | #3639 | 18 | ▼ down 1114 · -38% births |
| 1970 | #2525 | 29 | ▲ up 161 · +38% births |
| 1965 | #2686 | 21 | ▼ down 249 · -12% births |
| 1960 | #2437 | 24 | ▲ up 411 · +50% births |
| 1955 | #2848 | 16 | ▼ down 783 · -27% births |
| 1950 | #2065 | 22 | ▼ down 187 · +10% births |
| 1945 | #1878 | 20 | ▼ down 603 · -41% births |
| 1940 | #1275 | 34 | — |
The story of Maurice
Maurice has been a beloved American name for over 126 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1898. More than 137,704 babies have been named Maurice since 1898. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1109 in 1905 to #972 in 2023. Maurice is used for both genders: 2% female and 98% male.
Names that peaked alongside Maurice in 1915:
Maurice by decade
Maurice peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 961 | |
| 1890s | 1,275 | |
| 1900s | 2,046 | |
| 1910s | 11,822 | |
| 1920s ★ | 16,752 | |
| 1930s | 12,986 | |
| 1940s | 10,732 | |
| 1950s | 12,801 | |
| 1960s | 14,871 | |
| 1970s | 15,488 | |
| 1980s | 15,777 | |
| 1990s | 10,130 | |
| 2000s | 7,177 | |
| 2010s | 4,623 | |
| 2020s | 263 | |
What are good nicknames for Maurice?
Famous people named Maurice
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Maurice (historical Roman figure)
Maurice carried this name during the Roman Empire, giving it the enduring weight of classical civilization.
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Maurice (Renaissance scholar)
Maurice used this name during the Latin revival of the Renaissance, reinforcing its classical prestige.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Maurice?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Maurice also consider these
How is Maurice written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Maurice
What does the name Maurice mean?
Maurice means "dark-skinned" — a name rooted in Latin tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Maurice?
Maurice is currently ranked #972 as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Maurice?
Maurice originates from Latin tradition. Latin names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Maurice?
Maurice is a two-syllable name pronounced M AA1 R IH0 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Maurice a common or rare name?
Maurice is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.