Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Lance
BoyGermanic, English· “land”
- Meaning
- land
- Origin
- Germanic, English
- Pronunciation
- LANS
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #862
- US babies 2025
- 279
- Best rank
- #76 (1970)
- Peak year
- 1970
Meaning and origin of Lance
Lance is a Germanic and English name that is usually said to mean “land”.
Lance comes from the Germanic name Lanzo, a short form of names beginning with land, "land". It was used in medieval England and France and later became linked with the weapon, the lance, and with Lancelot, the most famous knight of the Round Table. As a modern first name, Lance became popular in the United States in the mid-twentieth century, suggesting chivalry and action. It sounds crisp and confident. Some parents use it as a short form of Lancelot, though it is usually given on its own.
Popularity over time
Lance first appears in US Social Security records in 1899. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 92 different years, starting in 1901. Its best national rank was #76 in 1970, the same year it reached its highest count of 4,160 babies. In 2025, 279 babies were named Lance, and it ranked #862 nationally. That is 38% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #1,216 in 1920, #249 in 1950, #152 in 1980, #267 in 2000, #444 in 2010, and #862 in 2025. Of the 105,839 US boys named Lance since records began, 21% were born in the 1970s, its biggest decade. The 1960s come next, with 20,034 babies. Since 2010, 6,596 more have been named Lance.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Brent, Marc, Tyrone, Andre, and Wade.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Lance ranked highest in North Dakota, Iowa, and Louisiana.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | #241 | 5 |
| Iowa | #427 | 8 |
| Louisiana | #475 | 10 |
| Wisconsin | #551 | 9 |
| Washington | #553 | 13 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Lance is usually pronounced LANS, with one syllable. It has five letters, starts with L and ends in “-ce”.
Middle names for Lance
A few middle names that flow with Lance: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Lance
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Lists that include Lance
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Lance mean?
Lance is a Germanic and English name that is usually said to mean “land”.
What is the origin of the name Lance?
Lance has Germanic and English roots. Lance comes from the Germanic name Lanzo, a short form of names beginning with land, "land".
Is Lance a popular name?
Yes. Lance ranked #862 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Lance a boy or girl name?
Lance is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Lance?
Lance is usually pronounced LANS. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings