Surname Spice - Meaning and Origin
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Spice: What does the surname Spice mean?
The last name Spice is of English origin and derived from the Old English word "spic", which translates to "spice." This surname was used as an occupational name for someone who was involved in the spice trade or perhaps as a nickname for someone who had a fiery or piquant temperament. It could also refer to someone who came from the region Spitz in Austria. Surnames often reflected an individual's occupation, characteristic, geographic location, or patriarchal lineage. Therefore, Spice could have indicated the family's profession, characteristics, or area of residence during the Middle Ages when the surname first emerged. As with many surnames, variations of the spelling (such as Spyce or Spyse) can be found in historical records.
Order DNA origin analysisSpice: Where does the name Spice come from?
The last name Spice is most commonly found in the United Kingdom. It is an English surname, originating from the Middle Ages. The meaning of the name is thought to be derived from a trade, as the term ‘spice’ was once used to refer to a variety of spices. This is why the name is primarily associated with people of British origin.
Spice is also found in other countries, including the United States, Australia, and South Africa. However, the number of people bearing this name is significantly lower outside of the UK.
The Spice surname is believed to have early origins in West Yorkshire, but over time it has spread throughout England and Wales. Records show that the most widespread locations of the name are in East Anglia, Kent, Southwest England, and Lincolnshire.
The most frequent variants of the surname are Spices, Spicey, Spicy, Spyce, and Spysey. Names such as Spicer, Speissegger, and Spieker are also related.
In the United States, the name Spice has been documented since the early 19th century. One of the earliest Americans bearing the name was Mark Spice, who migrated from England to Virginia in 1820. It is likely that many of the early Spice immigrants to the US were originally from the West Riding region of Yorkshire.
Today, the name Spice is still shared by a small but significant number of individuals in the United Kingdom. People carrying this surname can be found all over the world, from the US to Australia, from South Africa to Canada.
Variations of the surname Spice
The surname Spice has several variants and spellings, as well as other surnames of the same origin. The most common variants of Spice are Spees, Spies, Spyce, Spicey, Spicie, and Speas. Other surnames of the same origin include Spitz, Speiser, Speis, and Speeser.
The surname Spice is believed to be of Germanic origin and is derived from the name 'Spitzer', meaning arrow maker or fletcher. It was likely an occupational name given to someone who made arrows for use as weapons.
The German spelling of this surname is 'Spieß', which is very similar to the English spelling of 'Spice' and likely what it was derived from. It can be found in records from as early as the 13th century in countries such as Germany, Austria, Netherlands, and Turkey.
The English spelling of this surname is also believed to be derived from the Germanic name 'Spicer', which was used as an occupational name for a dealer or seller of spices. In this case, the name was likely given to someone with a large inventory of spices or a professional spice merchant who traveled around selling spices. Records show this English spelling of the surname existed from as early as the 16th century.
Although each spelling of this surname has a distinct origin and meaning, they all likely derive from the same Germanic roots. This makes Spice, Spees, Spies, Spyce, Spicey, Spicie, Speas, Spitz, Speiser, Speis, and Speeser all surnames of the same origin.
Famous people with the name Spice
- Victoria Beckham Spice, commonly known as Posh Spice, is a singer, actress, and fashion designer from London, England.
- Mel B, famously known as Scary Spice, is a singer, songwriter, television presenter, and actress from Leeds, England.
- Emma Bunton, otherwise known as Baby Spice, is a singer, songwriter, and radio presenter from Finchley, England.
- Geri Halliwell, famously known as Ginger Spice, is a singer, songwriter, author, and actress from Watford, England.
- Melanie C, also known as Sporty Spice, is a singer, songwriter, author, and television personality from Whiston, England.
- Chris Spice is a British businessman and director.
- Tariq “Blackshark” Spice is a United States Marine and electronic producer from Los Angeles, California.
- Edward Spice is an Irish journalist based in Dublin.
- Thaddeus "T.D." Spice is a United States Navy veteran and Entrepreneur from Louisiana.
- Hal David Spice is an American songwriter, record producer and publisher based in New York City.