This odd and intriguing surname may be of Old French origin, arising from a nickname for a wealthy person, stemming from the Middle English "riche," a derivative of the Old French "riche," meaning rich, opulent; the phrase was adopted into England following the Conquest of 1066. In Germany the name is sometimes spelt Riche. Rich also happens to be one of the most common names in the United States. It was originally used as a short form of Richard but is now given out mostly to children of Jewish or Polish ancestry. In Britain, the name is commonly found among Christians of Anglo-Saxon descent. Originally a masculine name, it was taken up by females after the Norman conquest of 1066. Today it is popular again with boys and girls alike. Its usage as a girl's name began in the 11th century but then declined until the 14th century when it became popular once more. It was only during this period that the name became widely known and notorious for its use as an insult. The 15th-century poet John Gower wrote two poems called The Confessio Amantis which include references to "a rich man." From this we can assume that Gower was well acquainted with the name and it's negative connotations. Through these poems, the name Rich has become associated with someone who is rich in words but poor in deeds.