Last Name Lança

The surname Lança is of Portuguese origin. It comes from the Old High German "lans" which means "spear" or "lance." This surname was given to someone who may have been a warrior or had some connection with a spear or lance. In Portugal, it is more common in regions like Minho, Douro Litoral, and Beira Alta, where the use of surnames became widespread during the Middle Ages.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lança

The meaning and origin of the last name Lança

The surname Lança is of Portuguese origin, derived from the Old Portuguese word "lança," which means "spear" or "lance." It is believed to have been originally used as a nickname for someone who was skilled in using spears, a common weapon during medieval times. As the Portuguese began their exploration and colonization of new lands in the 15th and 16th centuries, many bearers of the Lança surname emigrated, spreading its use throughout South America and other regions where Portugal had established colonies. Today, the name is most commonly found in Brazil, Portugal, Angola, Mozambique, and other Portuguese-speaking countries, reflecting its historical significance in these regions.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lança

The surname Lança is predominantly found in Portugal and Brazil, due to historical reasons such as migration patterns and colonization. In Portugal, the name can be traced back to various regions including Minho, Trás-os-Montes, and Lisbon, reflecting a wide geographical distribution within the country. The name's popularity has also extended to the Azores and Madeira archipelagos. In Brazil, Lança is more concentrated in regions with significant Portuguese immigration, particularly in the Southeast (São Paulo state), South (Rio Grande do Sul state), and Northeast (Paraíba state). The name's geographical distribution within Brazil mirrors that of other common Portuguese surnames, with urban areas showing a higher concentration compared to rural regions. The Lança surname can also be found in other countries due to immigration waves from Portugal and Brazil, although the numbers are relatively small compared to the two primary locations mentioned above. Examples include Angola, Mozambique, Macau, and the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lança

The surname Lança has multiple variations and spellings across different regions and time periods. Here are some common forms: 1. Lanca - This is one of the simplest variations, with no accent marks. It is predominantly found in Brazilian Portuguese, where the name was introduced by Portuguese colonists. 2. Lanço - A variant that adds an 'o' to the end, which can be seen in some Portuguese-speaking countries such as Portugal and Brazil. 3. De Lança - This version includes "de" before the surname, a common practice in Portuguese and Spanish to indicate nobility or lineage. 4. Da Lança - Another form including "da," which is similar to "de" but more commonly found in regions of Portugal. 5. Do Lança - A less common variation that includes "do" before the surname, also signifying lineage or heritage. 6. Lanca - This spelling appears primarily among descendants of Portuguese immigrants outside Portugal and Brazil, where it is often anglicized and written without diacritics. 7. Lanso, Lansco, Lansse, Lansseau, Lanssee, etc. - These are various attempts to phonetically transcribe the name from Portuguese to other languages or dialects.

Famous people with the last name Lança

Notable individuals with the surname Lança include Pedro Lança (born 1942), a Brazilian economist who served as Finance Minister under three different Presidents. In the field of entertainment, there is Daniela Lança (born 1986), a popular Brazilian actress known for her roles in telenovelas such as "A Favorita" and "Verdades Secretas." From the world of sports, José Lança (1907-1974) was a Portuguese footballer who played as a defender for clubs such as Benfica and Portugal's national team. Lastly, Jorge Lança (1863-1952), a Brazilian politician and lawyer, served as Minister of Foreign Affairs under the government of President Epitácio Pessoa. These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields in Brazil, Portugal, and internationally.

Genealogical research on the last name Lança

The surname Lança is predominantly of Portuguese origin, derived from the Old Portuguese word "lanca," meaning "spear" or "lance." This patrilineal name was often given to sons as a symbol of strength and valor, reflecting the knightly traditions in medieval Portugal. One notable historical figure with the Lança surname is Nuno Tristão de Lança, who served as Governor-General of Portuguese India during the 16th century. In the cultural sphere, Joaquim Lança e Silva was a prominent composer and musician in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Lança family migrated to Brazil during the colonial period, where they played significant roles in the country's development. Notable Brazilians with the Lança surname include the poet Carlos Drummond de Andrade, the footballer Renato Augusto da Silva Lança, and the politician Gilberto Kassab Lança. Today, the Lança surname can be found across Portugal, Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Goa (India), and other Portuguese-speaking countries, with various branches and lineages that continue to contribute to their respective communities.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lança"
• 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 : 12 June 2025

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