Recorded as Plaice, Place, and Placey, this is an English surname. It has three possible known origins. The first being topographic from the residence near a fence of living wood with intertwining branches, and grown as a defensive wall against attackers, but above all a means of retaining sheep and cattle at night to prevent them straying. The derivation is from the pre 10th century Olde French word "pleis" meaning to plait, weave or intertwine". Secondly the surname may be locational and be from a place called "Place" of which there are several examples in England or the village of Plaish in Shropshire, or it could describe somebody who dwelt in or near the local market place, the derivation being from the late Roman (Latin) word "platea" meaning a broad street. Lastly the name may be occupational. If so the derivation is from the French word "plaise" meaning a plaice, although given as a nickname for a seller of fish in general. Early examples of the surname include William de la Place of Lincoln in 1276, Richard de la Pleyse of Somerest in 1277. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

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