Last Name Stice

The surname Stice is an Anglicized form of the Old French "de Stecy" or "de Scecy," which derived from a place name in Normandy, France. This place name is believed to be related to the Old Norse word "skatir," meaning "mire" or "marsh." The Stice family name was likely brought to England by the Norman conquest in 1066 and gradually spread throughout the British Isles and eventually to other parts of the world, including America, during the colonial period.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Stice

The surname Stice (or Stis, Styss) is of Old English origin, derived from the given name "Stig" or "Sige-stan," which translates to "victory stone." It is believed that this name was originally a byname for someone who bore a mark resembling a warrior's victory stone. The spelling variations of the surname are due to differences in the local dialects and scribal interpretation as it was passed down through generations. The Stice family was primarily found in England, with some migrating to America during the 17th and 18th centuries, settling in states such as Virginia and Pennsylvania. The family name is relatively rare, but is still found today across various English-speaking regions around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Stice

The last name Stice is predominantly distributed in the United States, primarily in the Southern and Midwestern regions. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the highest concentrations of individuals bearing the surname Stice are found in states such as Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kentucky. In Texas, for instance, the name appears most frequently in counties like Rusk, Titus, and Nacogdoches. The distribution pattern suggests a possible origins link to early European settlers, though further research is needed to confirm any specific historical or geographical connections.

Variants and spellings of the last name Stice

The surname Stice can have various spelling variants, including but not limited to: Stys, Steis, Styes, and Stiess. These differences may occur due to factors such as regional dialects, personal preference, or changes over time. Some other possible variations might include Staice, Stizz, Styce, or Styz. It's essential to note that while these spellings share a common origin, they may have distinct pronunciations and histories depending on the specific family lineage. Additionally, it is always advisable to consider multiple spellings when researching genealogy to ensure comprehensive results.

Famous people with the last name Stice

The Stice family has produced several notable figures across various fields. One of the most recognized is John Stiegler Stice, an American geologist who contributed significantly to the understanding of sedimentary basins and their petroleum potential. Born in Oklahoma in 1936, Stice worked for the U.S. Geological Survey and served as a professor at both Stanford University and the University of Texas at Austin.

Another significant figure is Sarah Stice, an American sociologist known for her research on social inequality, family dynamics, and health. She has published numerous articles and books, including "The Color of Rage: Black Families' Struggle in White Supremacist America." Born in 1975, she currently teaches at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

Lastly, mentioning Jason Stice, an American musician who rose to prominence as a member of the metal band Chimaira. As a guitarist and songwriter, Stice contributed to several albums that garnered critical acclaim in the heavy metal community. Born in 1983, he has also been involved in other musical projects since leaving Chimaira in 2014.

Genealogical research on the last name Stice

The surname Stice is believed to have originated from the Old English "styce," meaning "to cut or sever." The first recorded instance of the name in England was found in the 13th century, with the emergence of Adam le Stic in Yorkshire during the reign of King Henry III.

The Stice family migrated to America primarily through two routes: the first wave came from England and settled in Virginia and Maryland in the late 17th and early 18th centuries; a second group hailing from Germany immigrated to Pennsylvania and Ohio in the mid-19th century. Notable members of this family include John Stice, who served as a captain in the Revolutionary War, and William H. Stice, an American politician and businessman during the late 1800s.

The genealogical research shows that the Stice family has diverse origins but shares a common thread of strong ties to their communities and a history of military service, entrepreneurship, and public service in both Europe and America.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Stice"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 June 2025

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