Name Meaning

Maurice Name Meaning | Origin, History & Popularity

The name Maurice is derived from the Latin name Mauritius, meaning “dark-skinned” or “Moorish.” The name was first used during the Roman Empire and was particularly popular in France during the Middle Ages. The name was adopted by many different cultures throughout history, including the English, Irish, and Scottish.

Popularity:

The popularity of the name Maurice has fluctuated over time. It was most popular in the United States during the first half of the 20th century. In the 1920s and 1930s, it was a top 100 name for boys in the United States, peaking at #31 in 1930. The name gradually declined in popularity throughout the latter half of the 20th century, and it is now considered a less common name.

History:

The name Maurice has a long history, with its earliest use dating back to the Roman Empire. The name was borne by a number of early Christian saints, including Saint Maurice, an Egyptian saint and the patron saint of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saint-Maurice in Switzerland.

The name gained popularity in France during the Middle Ages, where it was commonly given to the sons of noble families. It was also popular in England and Scotland during the Middle Ages, where it was used as a surname. The name was introduced to America by French and English immigrants, and it has been used as a given name in the United States since the 19th century.

Cultural Significance:

The name Maurice has cultural significance in a number of different contexts. In France, the name is associated with nobility and elegance, and it is often used in literary works as a symbol of sophistication and refinement. In African-American culture, the name is often associated with pride and strength, as it was a popular name during the Civil Rights era.

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In popular culture, the name has been used in a number of different ways. In literature, Maurice is the title character of E.M. Forster’s novel “Maurice,” which tells the story of a young man coming to terms with his homosexuality. In film, the name has been used in a number of different movies, including “Maurice” (1987), a film adaptation of Forster’s novel, and “Little Miss Sunshine” (2006), in which the character of Richard Hoover is played by actor Greg Kinnear, whose middle name is Maurice.

Famous People:

There have been many famous people throughout history who have borne the name Maurice. Some of the most notable include:

  1. Maurice Ravel: French composer known for works such as “Bolero” and “Daphnis et Chloe.”
  2. Maurice Chevalier: French actor and singer who became famous in the 1920s and 1930s.
  3. Maurice Sendak: American author and illustrator best known for his children’s book “Where the Wild Things Are.”
  4. Maurice Richard: Canadian ice hockey player who played for the Montreal Canadiens and is considered one of the greatest players of all time.
  5. Maurice White: American musician and founder of the band Earth, Wind & Fire.
  6. Maurice Harkless: American professional basketball player who has played for a number of NBA teams.
  7. Maurice Greene: American sprinter who won numerous Olympic medals and set world records in the 100-meter dash.