Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Help
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • Start a New Tree
      • Person Preview
      • Membership
      • Family Trees Support
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Voter Lists
      • Birth, Marriage & Death
      • Military
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Directories & Member Lists
      • Public Member Trees
      • Convict, Criminal, Land & Wills
      • Member Search
      • Card Catalogue
      Loading
      • StoryScout
      Loading
      • Buy a DNA Kit
      • Register a Kit
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • About Us
      • Ancestry Blog
      • Gift Memberships
      • Site Map
      • © 2006-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Cookies
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Avice

      Origin

      Old French, medieval Europe.

      Meaning

      Avice means "advice" or "wise."
      The name Avice is of Old French origin, derived from the name Avis, which itself is rooted in the Latin word "avis" meaning "bird." The name has been used in various forms throughout history and has variations that include Avice, Avis, and Avice's diminutive forms. It is relatively uncommon in contemporary usage but has historical significance in certain regions, particularly in medieval England.

      Avice was primarily used as a feminine given name during the Middle Ages, and it saw a degree of popularity in the 12th and 13th centuries. The name was often associated with nobility and was used in literary works of the period. The name gained prominence in English-speaking regions, where it came to symbolize attributes such as freedom and grace, akin to the qualities associated with birds. The Old French influence on English names during this period was significant due to the Norman Conquest of 1066, which led to the integration of many French names into the English language.

      Culturally, Avice has been tied to various literary and historical contexts. It appears in texts from the medieval period, signifying a connection to the traditions and customs of that era. The name is often associated with themes of nature and femininity, reflecting the characteristics of birds—symbols of freedom, beauty, and transience. In medieval literature, names like Avice were frequently used to evoke certain images or attributes associated with their meanings, contributing to the character development within stories.

      Historically, the name Avice has seen variations in spelling and pronunciation that reflect the linguistic changes occurring over centuries. In some cases, the name was used interchangeably with Avis, and it is often found in records of the time, such as church documents and legal papers. Its usage has waned significantly since the late medieval period, with fewer instances of the name recorded in subsequent centuries, leading to its classification as a rare name in modern times.

      Notable people with the name Avice are not widely recognized in contemporary history, making it difficult to point to individuals who have significantly impacted society under this name. However, the name has appeared in various historical records, indicating that it was used by women in different social classes, particularly in England. Its rarity today may suggest that it has fallen out of favor, with modern parents gravitating toward more popular names while still maintaining an appreciation for historical names.

      In summary, Avice is a name with Old French origins, meaning "bird," which has seen historical usage primarily in medieval England. While it is not commonly found in the modern era, it carries cultural significance tied to themes of nature and femininity. Historical references to the name reflect its association with nobility and literary traditions, though notable individuals bearing the name are not widely documented. As a result, Avice remains a name of historical interest rather than contemporary prominence, illustrating the evolution of naming practices over time.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA

      Explore the origins of another name.