Surname Brice - Meaning and Origin

Connecting with My Ancestors: An Unexpected Journey into My Brice Lineage via DNA Testing

Through the intriguing process of iGENEA DNA testing, I discovered the unexpected depth and rich history of my lineage rooted in the Brice family. This revelation has helped me reassess my self-understanding and appreciate the legacy that lives within me.

K. Brice

Brice: What does the surname Brice mean?

The surname Brice is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the personal name "Bricius," a Latinized form of a Celtic name which possibly meant "speckled" or "speckled one". The name Bricius was borne by a 5th-century bishop of Tours, and its popularity in the Middle Ages may be due to the fame of the saint. The surname Brice was first found in Somerset, where they held a family seat from ancient times, long before the Norman Conquest in 1066. This name is also seen in early Scottish records, suggesting a Celtic origin. The name carries connotations of someone who is unique, standing out from the crowd, or someone who is industrious and hardworking. However, as with any name, its significance can also be subjective and personal to the family or individual bearing it.

Brice: Where does the name Brice come from?

The surname Brice is of Old Celtic origin and is derived from a Welsh personal name, "Bricius", which is a form of "Brice", a bishop and saint of Tours in France in the 5th Century. The name spread across Europe into England and Scotland through French influence, especially during the period of Norman conquest and colonization. Variations of this surname include: Bryce, Brice, Bryse, Breice, Bricius, Bryceson, and Bryson.

The Brice surname is most common in the United States today. It is also found in England and to a lesser extent in Australia, Canada, and France. The name in its various forms has spread across countries and regions, adapting to local languages and dialects.

Variations of the surname Brice

The surname Brice has its roots in Celtic and Gaelic origins and has evolved into different variants and spellings over the centuries. Some of the most common variants include Bryce, Brise, Briss, Bryse, Bryss, Brisee, Bris, Brys, Bride, and Brid. The 'y' or 'i' in the name can often be interchangeable, and sometimes an 's' is added making it Briss or Bryss.

Occasionally, it can also be spelled as Bricius, which is a Latinized version. For some, it can take on the form of a patronymic surname, passing from generation to generation with prefixes or suffixes that denote "son of" or "descendant of," such as O’Bryce, McBrice, MacBryce.

In some countries like France, it can be spelled Brisse or Le Brice. In Spain, there’s a variant as Briz. Despite these many different versions of the surname, they essentially stem from the same root name, Brice, which is said to mean "swift" or "quick" in ancient Celtic.

As for surnames of the same origin, it's slightly tricky as surnames are usually specific to families and track lineage rather than meaning. However, similar Celtic or Gallic-origin surnames may include O'Brian, McKenzie, or MacDonald.

Famous people with the name Brice

• Fanny Brice: An American illustrated song model, comedienne, singer, theater and film actress who made many stage, radio and film appearances.
• Raymond Brice: A former French international footballer who played defender.
• Brandon Brice: An American political columnist, television pundit, and radio host known for his conservative views.
• Pierre Brice: A French actor, best remembered as chief Winnetou in German Karl May films.
• Benjamin Brice: A French documentary photographer and visual artist.
• Sebastian Brice: An English actor and model who appeared in Burberry's Spring 2010 advertising campaign.
• Laurent Brice: A French entrepreneur in the world of luxury and founder of "Brice," a brand of men's suits and clothing.
• Robert Brice: A former professional Australian rules footballer who played in the Victorian Football League (VFL).
• Lee Brice: An American country music singer and songwriter, with several singles having reached number one on the Country Airplay chart.
• Dave Brice: A noted English public speaker and an expert on team motivation and sales.
• Bob Brice: A former professional American baseball player.

Other surnames

BrickerBrickertBricmanBricmanneBricmantBricmontBricqman