Surname Dice - Meaning and Origin
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Dice: What does the surname Dice mean?
The surname Dice is of Anglo-Saxon origin, deriving from the Old Norse personal name "Thiassi". It initially started as a baptismal name, "the son of Dice", before evolving into a surname. The name started appearing in documents and scrolls as early as the 13th century. The word "Dice" in old English also refers to the gaming tool, but it is unsure if there is a connection between the game and the surname. Many name bearers of Dice migrated to the United States and Australia during the great migration in the 17th and 18th centuries. Like many surnames, variant spellings often exist, such as Dyce and Duce. Today, people bearing the surname Dice can be found across the globe but especially in traditionally English-speaking countries. It's crucial to note that each surname's meaning and origins could differ due to regional differences and the evolution of language over time.
Order DNA origin analysisDice: Where does the name Dice come from?
The last name Dice is thought to have originated from Germany, derived from a German personal name, "Theudoric," which means "people ruler". It is believed to have been anglicized to "Dietrich" then to "Dietz" after being brought to America by German immigrants in the 17th and 18th centuries. Over time, English spelling conventions seem to have changed the pronunciation and spelling to Dice. These changes were not uncommon as immigrants sought to assimilate in their new lands.
The Dice surname is chiefly found in the United States, specifically in Pennsylvania which had a large population of German settlers. It has smaller populations in England and Germany. Until this day, variations of the name including "Dietz" are still common in Germany, and "Dice" continues to be used among descendants of early German immigrants in America. It is considered a relatively rare surname today.
The Dice name appears in historical records associated with both well-esteemed roles, like professors and military engineers, as well as public figures like actors and musicians. The name has been carried around the globe by emigration, especially in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Variations of the surname Dice
The surname Dice is of German origin and is derived from the Old High German "Dietrich". Variations of the surname Dice include Dyce, Dicke, Dick, Ditts, Dietz, Diets, Tice, Deis, Deiss, Tise, Theiss, Thiess, Theis, Thies, Teis, and Thiesse.
From these variants, different surnames with a common origin have also emerged such as Dicer, Diceman, Dicey, Diceus, Dicewell, and the Scottish Dyas. The surname can be seen with different spellings according to regions and dialects. The spelling can also change over generations due to reasons like migration and change in language.
The surname Dyas, a Scottish variation, derives from the Old English Dyot, which is a diminutive of the male given name Dionysius. Similarly, Dyce, another Scottish variant, has its roots in the place called Dyce in Aberdeenshire.
Despite the wide range of variations and spellings, all these surnames share a common history and integral connection to the original surname "Dice" or "Dietrich".
Famous people with the name Dice
- Andrew Dice Clay: An American stand-up comedian, actor, musician, and producer. He's known for his controversial style, characterized by a tough guy image and explicit language.
- Ricky Dice: A music producer who has worked with numerous Grammy-winning artists in genres ranging from pop to hip hop.
- Alexander D'Arcy, also known as "The Dice Man": An Egyptian actor who appeared in more than fifty films in his career.
- Tina DiJoseph: A television actress and producer whose acting credits include roles on shows such as Law & Order and The West Wing.
- Jack Diehl: A character actor who appeared in films such as The Godfather: Part II and The French Connection. Please note that a few of these surnames are not spelled exactly as 'Dice'. However, phonetically these names could be perceived as 'Dice'.