Holding steady, #12,008 for boys today.
Popularity of Lancer since 1916
Babies named Lancer per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 5 |
| 1920s | 0 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 29 |
| 1970s | 118 |
| 1980s | 29 |
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 5 |
| 2010s | 10 |
| 2020s | 5 |
Meaning & origin
Lancer is a rare given name in the United States, first recorded in 1916. As of 2025, it ranks 12,008, with approximately 1 in 341,615 newborns receiving the name. Its peak popularity occurred in 1970, though it has never been common. The trajectory of the name has been stable in recent decades. Lancer likely originated as a surname or occupational name for a cavalry soldier, and its use as a first name may have been influenced by the general appeal of martial or strong-sounding names. It remains a distinctive choice, never breaking into the top ranks but maintaining a quiet presence over the past century.
Lancer derives from the Middle French word 'lancier,' referring to a soldier who wields a lance. The word entered English in the 16th century. As a given name, it is rare and likely emerged from surname usage or as a modern coinage, perhaps influenced by the association with chivalry and military prowess.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lance
Variants: Lance
Sibling names for Lancer
Names that share Lancer's style, for a brother or sister.
