Origin & Meaning of the Rice Surname
What does the last name Rice mean?
The surname Rice carries the meaning "Origin and meaning under research." It is derived from the Unknown language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 149,500 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Rice ranks as the #184 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Rice come from?
The Rice surname has its roots in Unknown heritage. Names of Unknown origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Rice name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Rice trace back to Unknown. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Rice |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Origin and meaning under research |
| Origin | Unknown |
| Language | Unknown |
| US Rank (2010) | #184 |
| US Count (2010) | 149,500 |
| Per 100K People | 50.68 |
| First Letter | R |
Ethnic Distribution of Rice
According to the US Census, the Rice surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 149,500 Americans with the Rice last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 77.63% |
| Black | 16.74% |
| Hispanic | 2.33% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.57% |
| Native American | 0.74% |
| Two or More Races | 1.99% |
Popularity of Rice Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Rice surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Rice surname increased by 3,060 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Rice Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Rice ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Rice
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Rice.
Other Unknown Surnames
Explore more surnames with Unknown roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Unknown origin as Rice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rice
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Rice surname also look for: