Re: Origin of the name and what it derives from
in reply to a message by Pickvance (Surname)
I'm sure this must be a version of Pickavance, which is best represented in South Lancashire. The spelling Pickvance must be very rare though. It comes from the French pique avant, meaning "prick forward", i.e., spur a horse on. I'm guessing it was a nickname for a person who was always in a hurry.