A 1960s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Vance since 1880
Babies named Vance per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 91 |
| 1890s | 177 |
| 1900s | 229 |
| 1910s | 1,233 |
| 1920s | 1,735 |
| 1930s | 1,501 |
| 1940s | 2,075 |
| 1950s | 3,420 |
| 1960s | 4,065 |
| 1970s | 2,253 |
| 1980s | 1,875 |
| 1990s | 1,929 |
| 2000s | 2,443 |
| 2010s | 2,631 |
| 2020s | 1,355 |
Meaning & origin
Vance is a surname-turned-given name with a straightforward meaning tied to the landscape. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1880, but its peak year came in 1969, reflecting a brief period of mid-century popularity. After declining for decades, the name has been on a rising trajectory since 1999, suggesting growing appeal for its short, strong sound. It is most common in states like Kansas, Wisconsin, and Indiana, where traditional, one-syllable names have enduring charm. With 1 in 8,540 boys receiving the name in 2024, Vance remains a distinctive choice without being overly rare.
Vance is an English surname that originated as a topographic name for someone who lived near a marsh or fen, from the Old English 'fenn' (fen). It later developed into a given name, particularly in the United States, and saw a notable rise in popularity during the 1960s and early 1970s. The name has a strong, concise sound that has kept it in occasional use.
Where Vance 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.
Sibling names for Vance
Names that share Vance's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Grace, Claire, Paige, Maeve, Sloane, Evonne, Ronica, Valarie, Valorie, Venita, Devona, Brette, Candise, Levada, Talise, Towana, Valma, Vanisha, Velora, Versa, Vona, Vonita, Cachet, Canda, Davonna, Grae, Jolean, Rexanne, Tannis, Valla, Vaness, Vicci, Vici, Vickye, Videl, Vonceil, Quilla, Cheray, Gayna, Karn, Kresta, Lavene, Mliss, Trivia, Vallarie, Vanette, Vanice, Velisa, Venda, Vernica, Vickii
Brothers: Reid, Grant, Dale, Blake, Wade, Antron, Lane, Thad, Van, Dwaine, Payne, Shad, Slade, Tanis, Thayne, Vinson, Webb, Bray, Chantz, Croix, Danner, Devere, Kort, Lain, Lamoine, Lysle, Vaden, Vandy, Venson, Cinch, Deke, Dozier, Duel, Duwan, Dyke, Kell, Kert, Lancer, Lavance, Levelle, Sher, Si, Tige, Vencent, Vin, Kreig, Cashe, Chanc, Clanton, Clee, Cope, Dub, Given, Jontue, Kitt, Labaron, Oronde, Phat, Raun, Vick, Vinal, Vincen
Names like Vance
Names whose popularity has moved with Vance's over the last 50 years.
