Rice

♂ Boy

Pronounced RICE /ˈraɪs/Medium

Meaning: Rice is an anglicized spelling of the Welsh name Rhys, meaning 'ardor, fire, enthusiasm.' It served as both a surname and a given name in America, carrying the old Welsh sense of fervor and drive.Low

In 30 seconds: Rice is an old anglicized form of Welsh Rhys, 'ardor, enthusiasm.' A spare early-century boy's name, always rare (said RICE).

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Origin MediumWelsh

MeaningRice is an anglicized spelling of the Welsh name Rhys, meaning 'ardor, fire, enthusiasm.' It served as both a surname and a given name in America, carrying the old Welsh sense of fervor and drive.

U.S. rank (1972)#5580 ↘ Falling

1972 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1919

Total births (all-time)≈ 287

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Rice is an anglicized rendering of the Welsh Rhys, a name meaning 'ardor' or 'enthusiasm.' It passed into English use as a surname and, at times, a first name, especially among families of Welsh descent in the early twentieth century.

It was always a rarity as a given name, recorded for only about fifteen boys a year at its peak around the nineteen-tens and fading by mid-century. A boy named Rice then would be of a great-grandfather's generation now.

Did you know? Long before it was read as the grain, Rice was simply the English way to write the fiery Welsh name Rhys - the same name behind the surname Reece.

Overall data confidence 50%

References - Rice — Anglicized Welsh Rhys 'ardor'; surname and given name; Welsh-American cohort

Variations

RhysReeceReese

Nicknames

Famous Bearers

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If you like Rice…

Rhys— the Welsh name Rice anglicizes

Reece— a like anglicized form of Rhys

Price— a similar Welsh-rooted surname-name

Vaughn— a like short Welsh boy's name

Explore names like Rice

By themevintage short welsh surname-derived

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Rice mean?

It is an anglicized form of the Welsh name Rhys, meaning 'ardor' or 'enthusiasm.'

How do you pronounce Rice?

It is said RICE /ˈraɪs/ - one syllable.

Is Rice a boy or girl name?

Rice is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Rice?

It has always been rare as a given name, recorded for only about fifteen boys a year at its peak.