Lance
Gender: Boy
Meaning: Land or spear
Origin: Old French/Germanic
Popularity: Ranked #862 in 2025 with 279 babies born.
History: Lance derives from the Old French 'lance,' meaning spear, or may be a short form of Lancelot, possibly from the Germanic 'land' meaning territory. In Arthurian legend, Sir Lancelot was the greatest and most celebrated of the Knights of the Round Table, whose story made the name synonymous with chivalry and knightly valor. Lance Armstrong, the cyclist, brought the name contemporary athletic associations.
Name length: 5 letters
How common is Lance? About 1 in 11,930 babies born in 2025 were named Lance, or roughly 0.8 per day in the United States.
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Frequently asked about Lance
What does the name Lance mean?
Lance means “Land or spear” from Old French/Germanic roots.
What is the origin of the name Lance?
Lance has Old French/Germanic origin. The traditional meaning is “Land or spear”.
How popular is Lance?
Lance ranked #862 in 2025 — given to 279 babies that year.
When was Lance most popular?
Lance peaked in 1970 with 4,160 babies registered that year.
Is Lance a boy or girl name?
Lance is predominantly a boys' name — over 90% of Lances in registered births are male.
Is the name Lance rising or falling in popularity?
Lance has fallen 97 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years — from #765 in 2020 to #862 in 2025.
How long has Lance been recorded?
Lance appears in birth records across 126 years — from 1899 through 2025.