Surname Lance - Meaning and Origin

A Deep Dive into My Surname 'Lance' Through the Lens of the iGENEA DNA Test

Recently, I had the chance to partake in a DNA test through iGENEA to learn more about my genealogy. The results, specifically surrounding the origins and meaning of my surname, Lance, were surprising, informative, and insightful, offering a better understanding of where I come from.

X. Lance

Lance: What does the surname Lance mean?

The surname Lance originated from France and Germany. In French, "Lance" translates to "spear" or "lance," so in many cases, the name was originally used to recognize a soldier, warrior, or knight who was skilled with a lance, thus it fell under the occupational category of surnames. The name could have also been used to describe a person's characteristics metaphorically, signifying someone who was sharp or quick. In an extended context, Lance may have indicated a person who was a "defender" or "protector." The name is also found in Germany where it is derived from the old German word "Lanzo," which means "land." So in this aspect, the name could have been used to denote a landowner. Despite these origins, the meaning and connection to a person with the surname Lance can vary greatly depending on their family history and lineage. Over time, the name has spread to many different countries and cultures, and its meaning may have adapted as it was embraced by various societies.

Lance: Where does the name Lance come from?

The last name Lance is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French "Lance" which is a nickname for a soldier, illustrated by an occupational description. Specifically, it was often used concerning a soldier who wielded a lance, a type of long weapon used in warfare by mounted knights and infantry.

Furthermore, the Lance surname may also come from Lancashire and Northumberland in Northern England where the name was quite popular. The old family estates of the Lance family are found in these areas. Considering the Old French origins of the name, it is believed that it could have been brought to England by the Normans during the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.

Today, the surname Lance remains commonly found in many English-speaking countries including the United States, Australia, Canada, England, and New Zealand. Within these countries, it may be especially prevalent in regions with significant past or present French influence such as Quebec in Canada or Louisiana in the United States. However, the distribution of the Lance surname varies by nation and specific geographic region within each country.

Variations of the surname Lance

The surname Lance is believed to come from an occupational name for a servant who served a knight, deriving from the Middle English and Old French word ‘lance’. It can also be a nickname from the Old French ‘Lanz’ which referred to a person who is fierce or fiery.

There are several variations and spellings of the surname Lance that have occurred over the years due to regional dialects and phonetic spelling by town officials. Some of these include De Lance, Lancer, Lancy, Lantz, Lanze, Lensen, Lancey, Lancee, Lancen, Lans, and Launce.

Additionally, surnames that have a different spelling but are of the same origin include Lancet, Lancing, Lonce, Lantzy, and Lancy.

Related surnames that may stem from the same root because of occupational or locational similarities may include Lancelot, Lancer, Lanston, or Lancaster.

It is important to note that even if these surnames sound similar or have a related meaning, this does not necessarily mean they share the same origin. Many surnames developed independently in different regions and countries. As such, they may have different histories and origins, despite surface similarities.

Famous people with the name Lance

• Osi Umenyiora, retired NFL defensive end
• Jean-Claude Van Damme, actor
• Richard Lancelyn Green, British author
• The Hon. John George Lance, Member of Parliament in New South Wales, Australia
• Robert Lance Hudson, American actor
• Chico Lance, Brazilian racing driver
• Norma Lance, American actress
• Jason Lance, English footballer
• Marie Lance, French opera singer
• Sir Lancelot Spratt, character in the Doctor in the House novels and films
• Salomon Lance, Dutch rock singer
• Eric Lancel, French singer
• John Lance, Australian rugby league player and coach
• Bruce Lance, American football coach
• John Leonard Lance, U.S. Navy commander
• Henry Lance, Canadian flag bearer at the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics
• Buzgy Lance, Australian rules footballer
• Bebe Lance, American television actress
• Kay Lance, American beauty queen
• David Lee Lance, American entrepreneur

Other surnames

LancashireLancasterLancastreLanchesterLanchestreLanckohrLancktonLancton