Surname Bice - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'B'
Bice: What does the surname Bice mean?
The surname Bice is of Welsh origin and is derived from the Welsh personal name, Hywel, meaning "eminent" or "conspicuous." This name was popular due to a 10th century Welsh prince who bore the name. Over time, "Hywel" was anglicized and transformed into several different forms including Howell, Hywel, Bezzant, Bice, Bizant, and others. Therefore, the surname Bice implies a connection to a lineage of prominence and distinction. It's important to remember that surnames have evolved significantly over centuries and can have various versions and spelling alternations, influenced by factors like geographic location, local dialect, and cultural assimilation. Thus, the exact meaning and origin might vary among families with the Bice surname.
Order DNA origin analysisBice: Where does the name Bice come from?
The surname Bice is believed to have originated from Northern England, particularly in areas such as Lancashire and the Yorkshire region. This surname can be traced back to Middle Ages in England. The name is derived from the medieval English given name Beatrice, also spelled Beatrix, which eventually evolved in its diminutive forms to become Bice or Bess.
As a surname, Bice is found predominantly in English-speaking countries due to migration or descent, although over the years it has spread across other regions as well. Today, it's particularly common in the United States and to a lesser degree in England, Australia, and Canada. It's also prevalent in Italy, likely due to a different etymological origin. The frequency and distribution might vary within each country with certain areas, states, or regions having a higher concentration of individuals carrying the Bice surname. Owing to the influence of globalization and migration in the modern world, the dispersion of the surname continues to widen.
Variations of the surname Bice
The surname "Bice" could have several variants or similar spellings coming from several origins. For instance, it could be from the English surname "Bice" which is a metonymic occupational name for a bice smelter or someone who works with this item, coming from the Middle English term "bise". Also, it could be a variant of "Bates" or short form for "Beatrice."
As for variants and similar spellings, these could include: Bise, Byce, Byse, Boyce, Boice, Biçe, Bis, Buice, Pice, and even Vice.
Given the possibility of it being a variant of Bates, surnames of the same origin may include Bath, Bate, Bait, Batie, Baites, and Baight.
If considering the short form for Beatrice, other possible forms could include Bea, Beatty, Beattie, Beaty, and perhaps even Trixie.
Always consider though that surname origins can be complex and varied, depending on the geographical location and historical usage of the name.
Famous people with the name Bice
- Bo Bice: An American singer, songwriter, and musician, Bo Bice gained fame as the runner-up of the fourth season of American Idol. He has since released multiple albums and is known for his southern rock, soul, and gospel-influenced voice.
- Katherine Bice: Katherine is known as a professional American pastry chef. She has been a former contestant on the first season of the reality TV show Top Chef: Just Desserts.
- Gwen Bice: She is an acclaimed Australian artist who is known for her beautiful mono-print artworks, inspired by nature and the Australian landscape.
- Dala Bice: An American artist known for abstract and impressionist paintings. Her colorful and vibrant artwork has been displayed in galleries across the United States.
- John Bice: A successful businessman, entrepreneur, and investor, John Bice has worked with and for a number of multinational corporations throughout his career.
- Michael Bice: He is a popular American academic and cultural historian who has authored several books on the history of popular entertainment in the United States. It should be noted that while the above-mentioned individuals have made notable contributions in their respective fields, they may not necessarily be famous in the typical celebrity sense.