Žiče was attested in written sources in 1341 as Seycz (and as Seitz in 1327 and Seytz in 1380). The name is derived from the plural demonym*Zitъčane or *Žiťane, based on the hypocorism*Žitъko or *Žitъ, referring to an early inhabitant of the place.[4] In the past it was known as Schitsche in German.[2]