Bryce is a given name of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic word 'bréac', meaning 'speckled' or 'freckled'. The name was initially used as a surname, referring to someone with a freckled complexion or someone from a place with a speckled or mottled landscape.

The earliest recorded use of Bryce as a given name dates back to the 12th century. One of the earliest known individuals with this name was Bryce of Arbroath, a Scottish cleric and diplomat who lived in the late 12th and early 13th centuries. He was instrumental in negotiating the Treaty of Perth in 1219, which resolved a long-standing dispute between Scotland and England.

Bryce gained popularity as a given name during the Middle Ages, particularly in Scotland and Northern England. It was often associated with nobility and landowners, as it was common for families to adopt surnames derived from physical characteristics or geographic features of their lands.

In the 16th century, Bryce Douglas, a Scottish nobleman and military leader, played a significant role in the Scottish Reformation. He was a staunch supporter of Protestant causes and fought against the Catholic forces of Mary, Queen of Scots.

The name Bryce also appears in literary works, such as the novel "The Fortunes of Nigel" by Sir Walter Scott, published in 1822. In the novel, one of the characters is named Bryce Snailsfoot, a young Scotsman who travels to London and becomes involved in the intrigues of the court.

Other notable individuals named Bryce throughout history include Bryce Harlow (1916-1987), an American political advisor who served as a White House staff member under several US presidents, and Bryce Dessner (born 1976), an American composer and guitarist best known as a member of the rock band The National.

Bryce has remained a popular name in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. While its usage has fluctuated over time, the name has maintained its Scottish roots and associations with strength, nobility, and a connection to the natural world.