Rich Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Rich come from? What does the surname Rich mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Rich and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Rich Origin: What does the last name Rich mean?
The surname Rich has a long history dating back to the early 14th century in the United Kingdom, according to YourRoots data. The name "Rich" likely originated as a descriptive nickname for someone wealthy or prosperous. Over time, the Rich surname became more prevalent in the United States during the 16th century, continuing to increase in frequency into the 17th and 18th centuries.
YourRoots data confirms the widespread presence of the Rich surname globally, with a significant number of records in the United States. This suggests that the Rich surname has transcended borders and is found in various countries worldwide, reflecting the migration patterns and diverse heritage of individuals bearing this name.
Rich Last Name History: Where did the last name Rich come from?
Origin of Rich Surname: Where does the last name Rich originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Rich first appeared in records from the United Kingdom around the early 14th century. Please remember that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact “Rich” spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Rich: What does the Rich surname history look like in the early days?
The "Rich" surname remained predominantly associated with the United Kingdom from the 14th through the 15th century, based on YourRoots data. By the 16th century, however, the presence of the Rich surname began to increase significantly in the United States, which continued into the 17th and 18th centuries, indicating a shift in the surname's frequency.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Rich surname today?
The volume of records with the Rich surname has grown remarkably in the United States since the 16th century and has surpassed the United Kingdom, a trend that continued into the 18th and 19th centuries. The “Rich” surname remains prominent in the United States and other regions worldwide. Although specific country data beyond the United States and the United Kingdom is not provided in the summary, the Rich surname likely appears in many countries due to global migration patterns.
Explore Rich last name heritage and Rich surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Rich Surame?
Lucky Diamond Rich
Gregory Paul McLaren (born 1971), known as Lucky Diamond Rich, is a renowned New Zealand-British performance artist famous for being the most tattooed person in the world. His body is covered head-to-toe in intricate tattoos, including his eyelids, mouth, and even foreskin. Rich holds the Guinness World Record for being 100% tattooed since 2006, with over a thousand hours of tattoo work by hundreds of artists. His acts as a street performer and festival artist, such as sword swallowing and unicycle juggling, have captivated audiences worldwide.
Buddy Rich
Bernard "Buddy" Rich (September 30, 1917 – April 2, 1987) was an American jazz drummer known for his virtuoso technique and speed. He led the Buddy Rich Big Band and collaborated with legends like Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald. Despite not reading sheet music, he left a lasting impact on jazz and big-band music, recording iconic albums like "Krupa and Rich" with Gene Krupa. Rich's career spanned decades, with performances at venues like the Apollo Theater and collaborations with top musicians. His legacy as one of the greatest drummers of all time continues to inspire music lovers worldwide.
Murder of Seth Rich
Seth Conrad Rich (January 3, 1989 – July 10, 2016) was a young American Democratic National Committee (DNC) employee whose tragic murder in Washington, D.C., sparked conspiracy theories and political controversy. Rich was known for his work as the DNC voter expansion data director and his dedication to supporting voter rights. Despite his promising career, Rich's life was cut short in a mysterious shooting that remains unsolved. His family denounced the conspiracy theories surrounding his death and sought justice for their son, leading to a settlement with a major news network.
John Rich
John Rich (January 7, 1974 - ) is an American country music singer-songwriter known for his time with the band Lonestar and as one half of the duo Big & Rich. He has released solo albums and worked as a songwriter and producer for various artists in the country music industry. Rich has also dabbled in television, hosting the reality show "Gone Country" on Country Music Television. With a successful music career spanning decades, John Rich continues to make his mark on the country music scene.
Adam Rich
Adam Rich (October 12, 1968 – January 7, 2023) was an American actor best known for his role as Nicholas Bradford on the TV series Eight Is Enough. His character led him to be known as "America's little brother." Rich also appeared in other TV shows like The Love Boat and Baywatch. Tragically, he passed away at the age of 54 due to an accidental fentanyl overdose. Despite his struggles with substance abuse, Rich openly discussed his experiences and encouraged others never to give up.
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