Surname Hance - Meaning and Origin
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Hance: What does the surname Hance mean?
The surname Hance is of medieval English origin. It is a derivative of the personal name Johannes, which through various mutations and interpretations over time has evolved into forms like John, Hans, and hence Hance. The Greek and Hebrew origin of Johannes, meaning "Jehovah has favored" (with the implication of "with a son") also bears significance to the surname Hance.
Alternatively, it derives from the given name "Hance," a nickname form of "Hancock," which is itself a diminutive form of "Johannes" or "John." The suffix -cock was a medieval affectionate diminutive, so someone named "Hancock" could have been a son or servant of a man named John.
It's also worth noting that Hance can be found in several countries, indicating that while the name appeared in England first, bearers of the name migrated to places like France and Germany, where the name took on localized spellings.
In general, the surname Hance has connotations of a familial connection to a person named John, or being favored in terms of lineage or faith. However, the exact meaning can vary based on cultural and geographical nuances.
Order DNA origin analysisHance: Where does the name Hance come from?
The surname Hance is originally of Medieval English origin. It is a diminutive form of the name "John," derived from "Han(c)kin" where 'kin' signifies 'little' or 'son of.' So, it can be seen as meaning 'little John' or 'son of John.' The name John itself comes from the Hebrew name 'Yochanan,' meaning 'Jehovah has favored me with a son.' Variations of Hance include Hanson, Hancen, Hanison, and others.
The migration of individuals between European countries in the Middle Ages led to the adoption and evolution of the surname in various regions, including Scotland, Ireland, and Scandinavia.
Today, the Hance surname is more common in the United States, with a particularly significant presence in states like Arizona, California, Texas, and Florida. There's also a moderate prevalence in England, specifically in regions such as Yorkshire. It is less common in countries like Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. Despite its European origin, it is relatively rare in contemporary Europe.
Variations of the surname Hance
The surname Hance has various variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Some of these variants and similar sounding names include Hancey, Hanse, Hans, Hanes, Hanses, Haunce, Hanco, Hanns, Hanze, and Hauens.
In some cases, the surname could have originated from the first name Hans, a German, Dutch, and Scandinavian version of John, which means "God is gracious." It can also be a variant of the Welsh name Han, meaning "gift from God".
There could also be different spellings based on geographical location and local dialects, making this surname very diverse. Additionally, the same surname may be spelled differently across various regions, such as Hancock (English origin), Hanka (Czech origin), or Hansen (Scandinavian origin).
Some surnames that could potentially be of the same origin are Hanns, Hann, and Hancke, though these surnames' origins would need more verification. The surname Hance, like many others, has varied significantly over centuries, making it a fascinating topic of genealogical research. However, it will always depend on an individual’s personal genealogical background to determine the exact origin and potential variants of the surname.
Famous people with the name Hance
- Ed Hance: An American football player who played in the National Football League.
- John W. Hance: Known as "Captain John Hance," he was the first non-native resident of the Grand Canyon.
- Jeff Hance: He was a country music artist from the 80s and 90s.
- Henry Gray Hance: A British diplomat in China, also a noted botanist.
- William Hance: He was a serial killer who was executed in Georgia in 1994.
- Bob Hance: An American businessman who is the President and CEO of Midwest Energy Cooperative.
- Alyssa Hance: An actress known for her roles in "The Extra" (2006) and "Late Watch" (2004).
- Amber Hance: An actress known for "Vacation" (2015) and "The Wrong Side of Right" (2015).
- Gaynor Hance: An actress known for "Adulting" (2016) and "The House on Mansfield Street" (2016).
- Leonard Hance: A notable guitar maker in the United Kingdom. Please note, the definition of "famous" can vary, and some of these individuals may be more recognized in their specific niches or regions.