Choyce

The surname Choyce is believed to have originated in England during the medieval period. It is thought to be derived from the Old English word "cys," which means "choice" or "select." This suggests that the name may have initially been given to someone who was considered a choosy or selective person.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Choyce can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, which was a comprehensive survey of landholdings in England commissioned by William the Conqueror. The name appeared in various spellings, such as "Choyce" and "Choyse," indicating its presence in the region at that time.

The surname Choyce is closely associated with certain areas in England, particularly the counties of Somerset, Gloucestershire, and Wiltshire. These regions were known for their agricultural settlements and rural communities, where the name may have originated and gained prominence.

During the 13th century, a notable figure bearing the name Choyce was Sir John Choyce, a knight who served under King Edward I. He is mentioned in historical records for his participation in the Welsh Wars and the Siege of Caerlaverock in 1300.

Another prominent individual with the surname Choyce was William Choyce, a merchant and alderman who lived in Bristol, England, during the 15th century. He played an influential role in the city's trade and civic affairs, serving as the Mayor of Bristol in 1457.

In the 16th century, the name Choyce was associated with the village of Choyce, located in Somerset, England. This place name may have contributed to the surname's origins or vice versa, reflecting the close ties between surnames and geographic locations during that era.

One notable bearer of the Choyce surname was Thomas Choyce, born in 1569, who was a prominent clergyman and author. He served as the Rector of Westbury-on-Trym in Gloucestershire and published several religious works, including a commentary on the Book of Revelation.

In the late 17th century, Samuel Choyce (1657-1727) was a respected lawyer and judge who served as a Justice of the King's Bench in England. He was known for his legal acumen and contributions to the development of English common law.

Throughout history, the surname Choyce has been recorded in various spellings, such as Choyse, Chois, and Choyce, reflecting the fluidity of surname spellings during earlier periods. Despite these variations, the core meaning and origins of the name have remained relatively consistent over time.