Last Name Lachance

The surname Lachance is of French origin. It originated from the Old French word "lache" which means "timid" or "cowardly." Over time, the spelling evolved into Lachance. In some cases, it may also have origins in the Normandy region, where the name was derived from a place-name such as La Chance, meaning "the chance," referring to a location with favorable conditions for hunting or farming. The surname is particularly common in Quebec, Canada, due to the large number of French settlers who moved there during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lachance

The meaning and origin of the last name Lachance

The surname Lachance, pronounced as 'lah-shahn(t)s', is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "lacs" which means lake or body of water. This name would have been used as a topographic name for someone who lived near a lake or body of water. Over time, it evolved into its current form in various regions due to spelling variations caused by differences in pronunciation and regional dialects. In the English-speaking world, it is commonly found among descendants of French colonists, particularly in Canada where it remains quite common.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lachance

The last name Lachance is predominantly found in French-speaking regions, particularly Quebec, Canada, where it originates from the Occitan term "lachence," meaning "happiness." Due to historical migration patterns, a significant number of individuals with the surname Lachance can also be found in the United States, primarily in states with large French Canadian populations such as Louisiana and Maine. Additionally, smaller populations of Lachances can be traced in France, as well as other countries with strong French immigrant communities like Belgium and the United Kingdom. In recent times, the diaspora has expanded globally, particularly to English-speaking nations, reflecting the global mobility of people of French Canadian descent.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lachance

The surname Lachance has various spelling variants due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and recording methods over time. Some common versions include:

1. Lachance: This is the most common English spelling of the name. It originates from the French language and means "chance" or "luck."
2. LaChance: This is a variant that adds an extra 'c' between 'La' and 'Chance.' This spelling is less common but still widely used.
3. LeChance: Another variation with the 'L' at the beginning, similar to the French pronunciation of the surname.
4. De Lachance: A French noble title that means "of chance" or "from luck." It may be used by families who have adopted this title over time.
5. Lacasse: This is a closely related surname of French origin, which means "the case of luck" or "the box of chance." It is a variant that evolved from the original Lachance name.
6. La Chance: A version with spaces between the components, as in some French names, although it may also be seen in an anglicized form (LaChance) with no space between the 'La' and 'Chance.'
7. De Lacant: An alternative spelling of De Lachance, found among French Canadian families who migrated to English-speaking regions and adapted their surnames accordingly.

Famous people with the last name Lachance

Notable individuals with the surname Lachance include:

1. Marc-André Lachance (born 1967), a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who played for teams like Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, and St. Louis Blues.

2. Jocelyn Lachance (born 1984), a Canadian politician who has served as the Member of Parliament for Rimouski-Neigette—Témiscouata—Les Basques since 2015.

3. René Richard Cyr Lachance (1927–2016), a Canadian politician and professor who was the 18th Lieutenant Governor of Quebec from 1991 to 2000.

4. Élise Lachance (born 1994), a Canadian actress known for her roles in TV series such as "Trauma" and "Maurice Richard."

5. Pierre-Luc Lachance (born 1987), a professional ice hockey goaltender who has played for teams like the Arizona Coyotes, Dallas Stars, and San Jose Sharks in the NHL.

6. Frédéric Lachance (born 1980), a Canadian actor best known for his roles in films like "C.R.A.Z.Y." and "The Art of War."

Genealogical research on the last name Lachance

The surname Lachance originates from France and is a variant of the original name La Chance, meaning "the chance" or "the opportunity." This surname was initially used as a nickname for someone who was fortunate or blessed with good luck. The first known records of the Lachance family in North America date back to the 17th century when Pierre Lachance arrived in Quebec, Canada, in 1634. Over time, numerous branches of the Lachance family spread across the United States and other countries, primarily due to migration during the 18th and 19th centuries. Notable individuals with the surname Lachance include Marie-Joseph Angélique, a freed slave who was wrongfully accused of starting the Great Fire of Montreal in 1734, and Jacques Lachance, a Canadian politician and businessman. Today, Lachance is still a common surname, particularly in Quebec and other French-speaking regions.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lachance"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 28 July 2025

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