Find out how popular the last name Rhymes is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Rhymes.

Rhymes, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Rhymes surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Rhymes in America

Rhymes is the 15527th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Rhymes surname appeared 1,885 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 1 people would have the surname Rhymes.

We can also compare 2010 data for Rhymes to data from the previous census in 2000. The table below contains all of the statistics for both years in a side-by-side comparison.

The history of the last name Rhymes

The surname Rhymes originated in England, with its roots dating back to the 14th century. It is believed to be derived from the Old English word "rym," which meant "rime" or "verse." This suggests that the name may have been initially associated with individuals who were skilled in poetry or lyrical composition.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Rhymes can be found in the Hundred Rolls of 1273, where it appears as "Rym." This historical document was a survey of landholders in England, providing valuable insights into the distribution and prevalence of various surnames during that era.

During the 16th century, the surname Rhymes was found in various spellings, including "Rymes," "Rymys," and "Rymez." These variations were common in a time when standardized spelling was not yet established, and names were often recorded phonetically.

In the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of landholdings commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086, there are no direct references to the surname Rhymes. However, it is possible that some of the placenames mentioned in the record may have influenced the development of this surname over time.

One notable individual bearing the surname Rhymes was Thomas Rhymes, a 16th-century English poet and playwright. Born around 1530, Rhymes gained recognition for his contributions to the literary world, particularly his poetic works and plays performed at the court of Queen Elizabeth I.

Another figure of historical significance was Sir John Rhymes, a prominent lawyer and member of Parliament during the reign of King James I in the early 17th century. He played a crucial role in shaping legal policies and advocating for reforms in the English legal system.

In the realm of exploration and adventure, Captain William Rhymes stands out as a notable figure. Born in 1790, he was an English navigator and explorer who undertook several voyages to the Arctic regions, making important contributions to the mapping and understanding of these remote areas.

During the 19th century, the Rhymes family left a lasting impact on the field of education. Elizabeth Rhymes, born in 1825, was a pioneering educator who established several schools in London, providing educational opportunities for underprivileged children.

The surname Rhymes has also been associated with the arts, as exemplified by the life of Emily Rhymes, a celebrated English painter and portraitist of the late 19th century. Born in 1860, her works are renowned for their vivid colors and captivating depictions of the Victorian era.

Throughout its long history, the surname Rhymes has been carried by individuals from various walks of life, each leaving their mark on their respective fields and contributing to the rich tapestry of human endeavor.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Rhymes

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Rhymes.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Rhymes was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Since we have data from the previous census in 2000, we can also compare the values to see how the popularity of Rhymes has changed in the 10 years between the two census surveys.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Rhymes was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Rhymes, please contact us.

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