"dark-skinned, Moorish"
Origin: Latin
Language: English
Maurice
Pronunciation: [ m-awr-EES ]
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A name of saints and soul legends with timeless dignity
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English
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Meaning & Origin
"from Mauritania"
Origin: Latin geographical
Language: French
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The Story of Maurice
Maurice derives from the Latin 'Mauritius,' an adjective meaning 'Moorish' or 'dark-skinned,' referring to the Moors of North Africa. The name was popularized in medieval Europe through Saint Maurice, a 3rd-century Roman soldier of Egyptian or African origin who became one of the most venerated Christian martyrs. His cult spread across France, Germany, and Switzerland, making Maurice one of the most common medieval European names.
Maurice peaked in popularity in the US during the early-to-mid 20th century, particularly in African-American communities. Soul singer Maurice White of Earth, Wind & Fire and pop icon Maurice Gibb of the Bee Gees kept the name in the public eye. It has steadily declined since the 1970s but retains a distinguished, classic feel.
Saint Maurice is the patron saint of soldiers and several Swiss and Austrian towns. In France, the name has been used continuously since the early Middle Ages. Maurice Ravel and Maurice Chevalier are among France's most celebrated cultural icons.
Historical Record
Maurice first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 81,193 babies have been named Maurice in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Maurice is past its peak , currently ranked #932 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Maurice White founded Earth, Wind & Fire and won six Grammy Awards
- Maurice Ravel composed Bolero, one of the most-performed orchestral works in history
- Saint Maurice was venerated as the patron of the Holy Roman Empire
Maurice in Other Languages
French
Maurice
German
Moritz
Italian
Maurizio
Spanish
Mauricio
Portuguese
Maurício
Popularity Over Time
#932
Current Rank
Peaked 1978
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Maurice
M
Maurice Gibb
Musician
1949
British musician and member of the Bee Gees, one of the best-selling music groups in history
M
Maurice White
Musician
1941
American musician, founder and leader of Earth, Wind & Fire, one of the best-selling music groups of all time
M
Maurice Ravel
Musician
1875
French composer known for Bolero, La Valse, and orchestrating Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #932
- Total SSA Count
- 248
- Cultural Origins
- French English American
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Mo
Maury
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, French heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, French heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Maurice
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Maurice is also used as a girl name, ranked #70698.
View Maurice as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Maurice
What does the name Maurice mean?
"dark-skinned, Moorish" (from Latin). "from Mauritania" (from Latin geographical). Maurice derives from the Latin 'Mauritius,' an adjective meaning 'Moorish' or 'dark-skinned,' referring to the Moors of North Africa. The name was popularized in medieval Europe through Saint Maurice, a 3rd-century Roman soldier of Egyptian or African origin who became one of the most venerated Christian martyrs. His cult spread across France, Germany, and Switzerland, making Maurice one of the most common medieval European names.
What is the origin of the name Maurice?
Maurice has Latin, Latin geographical, French, English, and American origins. In Latin, it means "dark-skinned, Moorish". In Latin geographical, it means "from Mauritania".
Is Maurice a boy or girl name?
Maurice is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #932. As a girl name, it is ranked #70698. Maurice is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Maurice?
Maurice is pronounced m-awr-EES.
How popular is the name Maurice?
Maurice is currently ranked #932 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Maurice?
Common nicknames for Maurice include Maury.
What are good middle names for Maurice?
Popular middle name pairings include Maurice James, Maurice Charles, Maurice William, Maurice Lee, Maurice Eugene, and Maurice Raymond.
What are good sibling names for Maurice?
Names that pair well with Maurice as siblings include Bernard, Eugene, Dorothy, Clarence, Gloria, and Howard.
How many syllables does Maurice have?
Maurice has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Maurice a common or rare name?
Maurice is moderately common, ranked #932 for boys in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
What boy names are similar to Maurice?
About the Name Maurice
Maurice is a boy name with French, English, and American origins . The name means "dark-skinned, Moorish" in Latin .
Is Maurice a boy or girl name? Maurice is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #932 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #70,698. Maurice is more commonly used as a boy name.
Maurice is currently ranked #932 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Maurice has 2 syllables and is pronounced m-awr-EES, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Maurice include Mo and Maury. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Maurice include Mauricio, Mauro . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis