Marice

Meaning & origin

Marice is a rare feminine name that peaked in the 1970s, specifically in 1976, but never ranked in the U.S. top 1000. Its first recorded use was in 1920, and its trajectory has remained stable, with only occasional usage. While reliable data on its current 1-in-N frequency is not available, the name's low profile suggests it is highly uncommon. As a variant of Maurice, Marice carries a sense of classic French elegance without being widely used, making it an unusual choice for parents seeking a name with historical roots but modern rarity.

Marice is a feminine variant of Maurice, which derives from the Latin name Mauritius, itself from Maurus, meaning 'a Moor' or 'dark-skinned'. The name Maurice was borne by several early Christian saints, including Saint Maurice of the Theban Legion, and became common in medieval Europe. The feminine form Marice likely emerged in France and has been used in English-speaking countries since the 19th century, though it remains uncommon.