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Lance Boy

Popularity: #643 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

Pronunciationlans / læns

Latin; Old French

Meaning

Latin: 'lance' (spear); Old French: 'land' (land)

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Lance is derived from the Old French name "Lancelot," which itself comes from the Latin "Lanceolus," meaning "little lance." The etymological roots trace back to the Proto-Germanic word "*lanza," which means "spear." This linguistic evolution reflects the martial connotations associated with the name, as lances were commonly used in medieval warfare and jousting, making it a fitting name for a knight or warrior. The transition into English occurred during the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, when many Old French names were adopted into the English language.

Historically, the name Lance is often associated with the legendary figure Sir Lancelot, one of the Knights of the Round Table in Arthurian legend, who is celebrated for his chivalry and romantic exploits, particularly his affair with Queen Guinevere. The tales of Lancelot were popularized in the 12th century through various literary works, including those by Chrétien de Troyes and later adaptations in English literature. The character's prominence in medieval romance literature solidified the name's association with nobility and valor.

Culturally, the name Lance carries connotations of bravery and knightly virtues, resonating with ideals of chivalry and honor. Its use in literature and folklore has contributed to its enduring appeal across generations. Additionally, the diminutive form "Lance" has been used in various contexts, often as a nickname for Lancelot or as a standalone name, further embedding it within the cultural narrative of heroism and adventure. The name's historical significance and its ties to legendary figures have ensured its place in the tapestry of Western naming traditions.

Trend Summary

Lance has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, peaking in the mid-20th century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Lancey

International Variants

  • Lancelot (French)
  • Lanz (German)

Famous people named Lance

Lance Armstrong is a former professional cyclist best known for winning the Tour de France seven times and for his autobiography It's Not About the Bike.

Lance Bass is a singer and actor best known as a member of the boy band NSYNC and for his role in the film On the Line.

Lance Henriksen is an actor best known for his roles in Aliens, The Terminator, and Millennium.

Lance Reddick is an actor and musician best known for his roles in The Wire, Fringe, and the John Wick film series.

Lance Burton is a magician best known for his Las Vegas magic shows and television specials.

Lance Klusener is a former cricketer best known for his performances with the South African national team in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Lance McCullers Jr. is a professional baseball player best known for his pitching with the Houston Astros.

Lance Lynn is a professional baseball player best known for his pitching in Major League Baseball, particularly with the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago White Sox.

Fictional characters named Lance

Lance is a fictional character from the animated series Voltron: Legendary Defender. He is a skilled pilot and a member of the Paladins who fights to protect the universe from evil forces.

Lance is a fictional character from the video game series Pokémon. He is a powerful Dragon-type Pokémon Champion known for his exceptional battling skills.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Lance was first seen in the United States in 1899. Lance has ranked as high as #171 nationally, which occurred in 1970, and has been most popular in California, New York, Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Lance has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Lance (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 31
13%
CA 24
10%
FL 18
7%
IL 14
6%
PA 13
5%
MO 11
5%
NC 10
4%
OH 10
4%
WA 9
4%
LA 8
3%
UT 7
3%
AZ 7
3%
GA 6
2%
MI 6
2%
MN 6
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18995
19008
19017
19028
19035
19046
19057
19066
19088
19096
19105
19115
19126
191313
191425
191523
191621
191732
191825
191929
192036
192140
192238
192324
192426
192526
192629
192731
192824
192928
193026
193124
193224
193335
193418
193541
193672
193770
1938267
1939291
1940254
1941247
1942338
1943295
1944404
1945400
1946414
1947606
1948609
1949617
1950735
1951751
1952707
1953710
1954921
19551,059
19561,116
19571,158
19581,132
19591,431
19601,875
19611,807
19622,004
19631,865
19642,089
19651,753
19661,819
19671,804
19681,993
19693,027
19704,160
19713,176
19722,253
19731,684
19741,529
19751,496
19761,736
19771,924
19781,972
19791,867
19801,786
19811,682
19821,974
19831,962
19842,135
19852,152
19862,051
19871,993
19881,894
19891,823
19901,697
19911,574
19921,507
19931,259
19941,119
19951,095
19961,048
1997918
1998880
19991,003
20001,221
20011,286
20021,232
20031,167
20041,161
20051,256
20061,003
2007826
2008751
2009639
2010604
2011575
2012540
2013459
2014512
2015454
2016438
2017409
2018394
2019398
2020315
2021305
2022319
2023300
2024290