RICH. JMore probably an abbreviation of Richard, than au epithet implying wealth. A Norman origin has been assigned to this unme, I know not upon what grounds. The extinct peerage family dated from a London mercer of the XV. cent. The Hampshire family, however, are said to have wiitten themselves Le Rich in the XIV. century, aud that form is found in H.R. In Sussex this name has been in some instances corrupted from Ridge.

Lower, Mark A (1860) Patronymica Britannica: a dictionary of the family names of the United Kingdom. London: J.R. Smith. Public Domain.