Sayce

Sayce is a surname of English origin. It is thought to derive from a topographical feature, possibly a place named with the Old English word "sæh", meaning "marsh" or "bog". Alternatively, it may be derived from a personal name, though its precise etymology in this context is less clear.

The surname appears in historical records as early as the medieval period, with variations in spelling such as Sayes, Sayce, and Sais. It is found in various counties of England, particularly in the south and west. Over time, the name spread with migration, and individuals bearing the Sayce surname can now be found in many countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Notable individuals with the surname Sayce include Archibald Henry Sayce, a prominent English philologist and archaeologist of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known for his work on Assyriology and ancient Near Eastern languages. The surname continues to be present in modern populations, reflecting its historical roots and ongoing presence.