Find out how popular the last name Blice is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Blice.

Blice, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Blice surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Blice in America

Blice is the 130443rd most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Blice surname appeared 120 times in the 2000 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Blice.

The history of the last name Blice

The surname Blice is believed to have its origins in medieval England, specifically from the Anglo-Saxon period, which spans from around the 5th to the 11th centuries. The naming conventions of this era were heavily influenced by the Old English language, a Germanic tongue brought to Britain by the Saxons. Deriving from the Old English word "blīc," meaning "bright" or "shining," the surname Blice likely originated as a nickname for someone with a notably bright or fair complexion or personality. Phonetically similar names such as Blyce or Bligh can be found in historical manuscripts, indicating a possible common root or variations in spelling over time.

The name Blice appears in historic records relatively sparsely, which suggests it may have been rare or localized to specific regions within England. There are references to similar surnames in ancient tax rolls and other documents, although the name Blice itself is less frequently documented. One of the earliest known mentions occurs in the 1273 poll tax records from Yorkshire, where a John Blice is listed as a resident. This early reference provides a glimpse into the distribution and presence of the name in the northern parts of England.

In historical literature, the name makes several notable appearances. Sir William Blice, born in 1350 and deceased in 1420, served as a knight during the reign of King Richard II. His valor in battle and loyalty to the crown earned him a modest estate in Kent, contributing to the local prominence of the Blice name during the late 14th century. Another noteworthy bearer was Thomas Blice, a merchant from Bristol who thrived during the Tudor period, specifically between 1530 and 1590. He is often credited with helping to establish trade links with the Hanseatic League, highlighting the commercial expansion of the era.

A significant figure bearing the surname was Rebecca Blice, an early American colonist born in 1612 who migrated to the New World in 1638. She settled in the Massachusetts Bay Colony and was known for her resilience and contributions to the early settlements. Her descendants continued to carry the name through the generations, marking the surname's transatlantic journey and integration into American society.

By the Renaissance period, the name had evolved slightly, with variants like Blyce and Blyss appearing in various locales. A curious historical anecdote involves a scholar named Edward Blice, born in 1675, who made significant contributions to the field of natural philosophy. His collection of essays and observations on the natural world were well-regarded during his time, positioning him as an intellectual figure of his day.

Lastly, Jane Blice, born in 1802 and known for her charitable work in Birmingham, represents a more modern historical figure. Her efforts in education reform and the establishment of orphanages reflect the social consciousness and reformist spirit of the 19th century.

Throughout its history, the surname Blice has traversed geographies, from medieval England to colonial America, adapting through the centuries while retaining traces of its ancient etymological roots. The name appears intermittently in historical records, linked to individuals who have contributed to various facets of society, from knighthood and commerce to education and social reform.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Blice

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Blice.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2000 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Blice was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Blice was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Blice, please contact us.

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