CARMARTHENSHIRE-L Archives

From: Therese and Gerry Lewis <>
Subject: Re: RICE
Date: Wed, 03 Mar 1999 12:36:38 +0000

Hello Bob

My understanding of the derivation of the surname Rice is that it is a
variation of Rhys or Rees - an English attempt to write the name Rhys
according to "The Surnames of Wales" by John & Sheila Rowlands, which
states:

"In 15C, in no region is it less than 3% of names in pedigrees, whilst
it reaches 9% in parts of north and mid Wales - the average throughout
Wales was 5%."

"1813-17 (survey of Welsh marriages): Mainly to be found in south Wales,
it has much less of a presence in mid Wales, and is seldom found in
north Wales......The relative absence of the name is inconsistent with
the earlier use of the given name...."

I presume you are aware of the former patronymic nature of Welsh names -
Rhys/Rees/Rice started off as a forename. Thereby lies one of the
problems with Welsh family history.

I think you'd better subscribe to every Welsh list there is!

Gerry Lewis

This thread:

• RICE by Robert Rice <>

  • Re: RICE by Therese and Gerry Lewis <>

  • Re: RICE by <>
  • Re: RICE by Robert Rice <>