Rice

“The name Rice originates from the Middle Ages and is derived from the Old French surname 'Ristat'”

American origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1482US 2023

718Births / yr

→Stable

287All-time births

📅 Since 188000.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Rice

REYES

/ˈraɪs/ · stress on REYES · 1 syllable

“The name Rice originates from the Middle Ages and is derived from the Old French surname 'Ristat'”

American origin · Boy name

What does Rice mean and where does it come from?

The name Rice originates from the Middle Ages and is derived from the Old French surname 'Ristat'. It signifies wealth or richness, making it an appealing choice. The name has a distinguished history in the United States and is also known as a surname for notable figures, including the American stat

Cultural significance

Rice has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.

Peak popularity

Reached #679 in 1880 — currently #1482 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell Rice?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Reiss

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Rice?

Rice works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Rice Grace

How popular is Rice right now?

Holding steady — currently #1482 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1880–2023#1482 · Top 1.1%

1880

1890

1915

1920

1925

1930

1945

1950

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1482	718	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2022	#1487	698	▲ up 5 · +4% births
2021	#1492	668	▲ up 1861 · +11033% births
1950	#3353	6	▼ down 341
1945	#3012	6	▼ down 385 · -40% births
1930	#2627	10	▲ up 798 · +43% births
1925	#3425	7	▼ down 199 · -12% births
1920	#3226	8	▼ down 129 · +14% births
1915	#3097	7	▼ down 2070 · +40% births
1890	#1027	5	▼ down 348 · -44% births
1880	#679	9	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Rice

Best Year2023Rank #1482

Peak Count718

Average Rank#2578

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1915 - 20239 years

The story of Rice

Rice has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 287 total births recorded, Rice remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #679 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1482 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Rice in 1880:

John William James Charles George

Rice by decade

Rice peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	37
1890s	25
1900s	6
1910s	54
1920s ★	77
1930s	49
1940s	12
1950s	22
1970s	5

💎Rice has only 287 total recorded births since 1880 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Rice?

Common

RicRicieRicy

What names sound and feel like Rice?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Rice also consider these

Vice

American · morally bad behavior

Dice

American · To play dice

Ricke

American · brave ruler

Trice

American · Threefold or a

Reice

American · A beloved name

Tice

Germanic · Short form of

Hice

Sanskrit · A Sanskrit name

Bice

Arabic · A Arabic name

Common questions about the name Rice

What does the name Rice mean?

Rice means "English" — a name rooted in American 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 Rice?

Rice is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Rice?

Rice originates from American tradition. American 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 Rice?

Rice is a one-syllable name pronounced R AY1 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

How does Rice sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Rice flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Rice ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.