Declining since 1985, #862 for boys today.
Popularity of Lance since 1899
Babies named Lance per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 5 |
| 1900s | 61 |
| 1910s | 184 |
| 1920s | 302 |
| 1930s | 868 |
| 1940s | 4,184 |
| 1950s | 9,720 |
| 1960s | 20,034 |
| 1970s | 21,791 |
| 1980s | 19,452 |
| 1990s | 12,100 |
| 2000s | 10,542 |
| 2010s | 4,784 |
| 2020s | 1,812 |
Meaning & origin
Lance is a name with strong medieval and chivalric associations, directly derived from the weapon of the knightly class. Its popularity peaked in 1970, when it ranked its highest on the charts, but it has since declined gradually from its height in the 1970s. After 1985, its usage began a steady downward trajectory, though it remains a recognizable and well-liked choice. The top states for Lance usage have included North Dakota, Iowa, and Louisiana, reflecting a particular resonance in the Plains and South. As of 2025, it stands at rank 862, with a frequency of 1 in 6,122 newborn boys, marking it as a moderately uncommon but enduring masculine name.
Lance derives from the Germanic word 'lanza' meaning 'lance' or 'spear', adopted into Old French as 'lance'. It was originally a medieval nickname for a skilled lancer or someone of knightly bearing, later used as a given name, especially in English-speaking countries from the 19th century onward.
Where Lance is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lanny, Lancey
Variants: Launce, Lancelot, Lancet
Sibling names for Lance
Names that share Lance's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Brianna, Claire, Grace, Paige, Shannon, Cheree, Darlena, Racquel, Candise, Charese, Darcia, Landa, Lenette, Lourie, Tanda, Charee, Chelle, Chondra, Lanice, Lannette, Marlane, Pleshette, Sherisse, Chauna
Brothers: Blake, Chase, Derek, Grant, Kyle, Delane, Darcel, Ronell, Duan, Brance, Clance, Torris, Diron, Demarr
Names like Lance
Names whose popularity has moved with Lance's over the last 50 years.
