RICE

Motto Translated: Secret and bold.

The Rice family has been difficult to investigate from my, Ed's perspective.  Dad wasn't too fond talking of his family or family history.  It was near the end of his life when he began to discuss some of the history to Ray.
Where?
  • Our father is from Pittsburgh.  The family is said to be originally from the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. 
Photos
American Gallery

RICE Name


I guess Tokar would be considered a "brother" - dad's dog Ray inherited.


Our Father


Our Family at Dad's Funeral- click for larger pic

Spelling variations include: Rice, Rees, Rhys and others.

First found in Carmarthenshire, Wales where they were seated from very early times.

American Branch - Some of the first U.S. settlers of this name or some of its variants were: Henry Rice who settled in Virginia in 1622; John Rice settled in Virginia in 1639; Richard Rice settled in Virginia in 1650; Anne, Daniel, Edward, Mary, Michael, Thomas, and William Rice all settled in Boston between 1820 and 1860.

Irish Branch - Taken from: The Book of Ulster Surnames by Robert Bell RICE

This name is common in Leinster and Munster but most numerous in Ulster,where its main centres are in counties Antrim and Armagh. The name is Welsh in origin and was previously RHYS which means `ardour', and many in Ulster will be of Welsh stock.
However, the ORIEL name, O'Maolchraoibhe (from craohh-meaning `branch') was also for some unknown reason anglicised as RICE, as well as, more understandably, Mulcreevy, Mulgrew, and Grew. Most Rices of Co. Armagh will be of this origin.

Last Update August 2005  | contact us |