Bič was attested in written records as Physchs in 1250, Vutsch in 1251, Fitsch in 1293, and Fütsch in 1297, among other spellings.[4] Based on medieval transcriptions of the name, it may have developed from *bъčь 'stone- or wood-lined depression with a spring, well' (cf. Slovene beč 'barrel'), thus referring to a local geographical feature.[5] In the past the German name was Fitsch.[2]