Tice

The surname Tice has its origins in England, with the earliest known records dating back to the 13th century. The name is believed to be derived from the Old English word "tice," which means "a small brook or stream." This suggests that the name may have been originally given to someone who lived near a small brook or stream.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Hundred Rolls of 1273, where it is spelled as "Tysse." This record lists a person named Roger Tysse, who was living in Oxfordshire at the time. The name also appears in various other medieval records, such as the Subsidy Rolls of 1327, where it is spelled as "Tyse."

In the late 16th century, the name began to be spelled more consistently as "Tice." This spelling can be found in several parish records from the time, including those from the county of Sussex. One notable example is Thomas Tice, who was born in 1589 in the village of Westmeston, Sussex.

The name Tice may also be associated with certain place names, such as the village of Ticewell in Nottinghamshire. This village was originally recorded as "Ticewelle" in the Domesday Book of 1086, suggesting a possible connection between the surname and this location.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the surname Tice:

1. John Tice (c. 1670-1742) was an English merchant and shipowner who played a significant role in the development of the Virginia tobacco trade in the early 18th century.

2. William Tice (1807-1891) was an American businessman and politician from Pennsylvania. He served as a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate from 1852 to 1856.

3. Edward Tice (1826-1899) was a British architect who designed several notable buildings in London, including the Grosvenor Hotel and the Royal School of Mines.

4. Frances Tice (1850-1928) was an American author and educator known for her work in promoting women's education and suffrage in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

5. Henry Tice (1898-1972) was an American artist and illustrator best known for his paintings of rural scenes and landscapes in the American Southwest.

While the surname Tice may have evolved over time, its roots can be traced back to the early medieval period in England, where it was likely associated with geographic features or specific locations.