The name Lance is of English origin and has a rich history behind it. It is derived from the Old French word "lance," which means "spear." In medieval times, a lance was a weapon used in battle, typically consisting of a long wooden shaft with a sharp metal tip. Therefore, the name Lance is often associated with courage, strength, and skill in combat.
The use of Lance as a given name can be traced back to the Middle Ages when it was bestowed upon boys born into noble families or those who excelled in martial arts. Over time, however, its usage has become more widespread, and today it is considered a unisex name.
In literature and popular culture, several notable characters have borne the name Lance. One example is Sir Lancelot of the Lake, a prominent figure in the Arthurian legends. He was a skilled knight who served as one of King Arthur's most trusted companions and eventually became the lover of Queen Guinevere. Other famous Lances include Lance Armstrong, the seven-time Tour de France winner, and Lance Reddick, an American actor known for his role in the television series "Fringe."
In summary, the name Lance has its roots in Old French and is associated with the weapon used in medieval warfare. While it was once primarily given to boys from noble backgrounds or those excelling in martial arts, today it is a unisex name with widespread usage. Throughout history and popular culture, various notable figures have carried this name, contributing to its enduring popularity.
The given statistics provide an overview of the frequency of the name Lance among newborns in the United States over a span of more than a century, from 1899 to 2023.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the name Lance was relatively uncommon, with fewer than ten births per year between 1899 and 1913. However, starting in 1914, there was a noticeable increase in the number of newborns named Lance, reaching 25 births that year. This trend continued throughout the 1920s and 1930s, with the number of annual births ranging from around 20 to over 300.
The name Lance reached its peak popularity in the mid-20th century. Between 1954 and 1969, there were at least 900 births per year with the name Lance, peaking at a remarkable 4147 births in 1969. This period saw a significant increase in the overall popularity of the name, as it became one of the top choices for parents naming their sons during this time.
However, like many other names that gained popularity in the mid-20th century, Lance began to lose favor among parents in subsequent decades. By the 1980s and 1990s, the number of annual births with the name Lance had dropped significantly, falling below 1000 births per year after 1984.
In recent years, the name Lance has continued to become less common, with fewer than 500 births per year since 2010. The most recent data from 2023 shows that there were only 298 newborns named Lance in the United States, indicating a further decline in its popularity.
In total, over the course of more than a century, the name Lance has been given to 105,265 babies born in the United States. Despite fluctuations in its popularity, Lance remains a distinctive and historically significant name choice for parents.