Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Vance
BoyEnglish, Old English· “marsh, fen”
- Meaning
- marsh, fen
- Origin
- English, Old English
- Pronunciation
- VANS
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #1,080
- US babies 2025
- 200
- Best rank
- #328 (1969)
- Peak year
- 1969
Meaning and origin of Vance
Vance is an English and Old English name that is usually said to mean “marsh, fen”.
Vance is an English surname from Old English fenn, meaning marsh or fen, given to someone who lived near low, wet ground. The spelling with V reflects dialect pronunciation in southern England. As a first name Vance became used in the United States in the twentieth century. It has a sleek, confident sound and a single crisp syllable. The name is familiar as a surname from public figures, and it fits alongside other cool surname names such as Chase and Grant.
Popularity over time
Vance has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 142 different years. Its best national rank was #328 in 1969, the same year it reached its highest count of 555 babies. In 2025, 200 babies were named Vance, and it ranked #1,080 nationally. That is 37% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #412 in 1920, #417 in 1950, #707 in 1980, #1,037 in 2000, #772 in 2010, and #1,080 in 2025. Of the 27,012 US boys named Vance since records began, 15% were born in the 1960s, its biggest decade. The 1950s come next, with 3,420 babies. Since 2010, 3,986 more have been named Vance.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Dion, Scot, Bryon, Hans, and Robb.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Vance ranked highest in Kansas, Wisconsin, and Indiana.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Vance is usually pronounced VANS, with one syllable. It has five letters, starts with V and ends in “-ce”.
Middle names for Vance
A few middle names that flow with Vance: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Vance
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Lists that include Vance
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Vance mean?
Vance is an English and Old English name that is usually said to mean “marsh, fen”.
What is the origin of the name Vance?
Vance has English and Old English roots. Vance is an English surname from Old English fenn, meaning marsh or fen, given to someone who lived near low, wet ground.
Is Vance a popular name?
Not especially. Vance ranked #1,080 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Vance a boy or girl name?
Vance is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Vance?
Vance is usually pronounced VANS. 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