Nance is a unique and captivating female given name of Cornish origin. It is derived from the Cornish word "ans" which means "grace". The name Nance has been popular in Cornwall for centuries, with its earliest known use dating back to the 14th century.
In medieval times, it was often used as a nickname or diminutive form of names such as Ann or Agnes. However, over time, Nance has evolved into a distinct and independent given name in its own right.
The name Nance is often associated with the county of Cornwall itself, where it has been passed down through generations of families for centuries. It is also sometimes linked to the famous Cornish folk song "The Song of Nance," which was written by Robert Hunt in 1859 and tells the tale of a young woman named Nancy or Nance.
Despite its historical roots in Cornwall, the name Nance has gained popularity beyond the region and can now be found in various parts of the world. It is considered to be an uncommon yet charming name that embodies elegance and grace, reflecting its Cornish origins.
The name Nance experienced a brief moment of popularity in the United States during the mid-1930s. According to statistics from that era, there were five babies named Nance born each year in 1932 and again in 1936. This resulted in a total of ten births with the name Nance across those two years. Despite this short-lived trend, the name Nance remains relatively uncommon in the United States today.