Lance

“Land; Territory”

American origin · Unisex name

♂ 100% boys♀ 0% girls

#818US 2023

300Births / yr

↓Falling

104.7kAll-time births

📅 Since 195600

How to pronounce Lance

LANS

/ˈlæns/ · stress on LANS · 1 syllable

“Land; Territory”

American origin · Unisex name

What does Lance mean and where does it come from?

Lance is commonly recognized as a male name, but in recent years, it has gained usage as a female name as well. Its etymology is traced back to the Old French 'lance', referring to a spear or a weapon but also connoting bravery and heroism. While not widely used among females historically, it has ap

Cultural significance

Lance has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of land; territory.

Peak popularity

Reached #3562 in 1979 — currently #818 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Lance?

Lance works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Lance Grace

How popular is Lance right now?

Declining — down 27 spots — currently #818 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1960–2023#818 · Top 0.60%

1960

1965

1970

1980

1985

1990

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#818	300	▼ down 27 · -6% births
2022	#791	319	▲ up 11 · +5% births
2021	#802	305	▲ up 12275 · +6000% births
1990	#13077	5	▼ down 5444 · -37% births
1985	#7633	8	▼ down 2860 · -47% births
1980	#4773	15	▼ down 476 · +15% births
1970	#4297	13	▲ up 267 · +44% births
1965	#4564	9	▲ up 300 · +13% births
1960	#4864	8	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Lance

Best Year2022Rank #791

Peak Count319

Average Rank#4624

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1960 - 20239 years

The story of Lance

Lance entered American naming records in 1956 and has been in use for over 68 years. More than 104,697 babies have been named Lance since 1956. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4864 in 1960 to #818 in 2023. Lance is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.

Names that peaked alongside Lance in 1979:

Jennifer Melissa Amanda Jessica Amy

Lance by decade

Lance peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →

Decade	Births
1890s	5
1900s	61
1910s	184
1920s	302
1930s	868
1940s	4,181
1950s	9,735
1960s	20,110
1970s ★	21,941
1980s	19,573
1990s	12,110
2000s	10,544
2010s	4,768
2020s	315

What are good nicknames for Lance?

ENGLISH

Lanny

What names sound and feel like Lance?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Lance also consider these

American · derived from 'lars',

Larnce

American · From the land

Clance

American · A beloved name

Lanice

American · a variant of

Yance

American · John's place

Mance

American · Manly

How is Lance written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Lance

What does the name Lance mean?

Lance means "Land; Territory" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Lance?

Lance is currently ranked #818 as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Lance?

Lance originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Lance?

Lance is a one-syllable name pronounced L AE1 N S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

How does Lance sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Lance flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Lance ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.