Actually "Rye" is a short name for Zachariah, which was Rye Miles' (the real one) father's name and his father was called "Rye. Everyone thinks it's because he drank a lot of rye whiskey, which very well could be true!! I like it myself!!
Sgt. J. T. "Rye" Miles Arizona Ranger, cattleman, Sheriff of Tucson, Constable of Benson,Az and later a prison guard at Yuma prison.