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Last Name Lance

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What is the origin of the last name Lance?

The surname Lance is of Old French origin, derived from the word "lance" which means "spear" or "lance." It was originally a nickname for a warrior who was thought to be strong and swift like a spear. The name was later brought to England by the Normans after their conquest in 1066 and has since been used as a surname in various countries, including France, England, and the United States.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lance

The meaning and origin of the last name Lance

The surname Lance is primarily of French origin, derived from the Old French word "lanc" which means 'spear'. This surname was often given as a metonymic occupational name for a spear-maker or a warrior using a spear as his weapon. In some cases, it could also be a topographic name for someone living near a lance or a sharp point of land, though this interpretation is less common. The surname Lance is found predominantly in France but has been dispersed globally due to migration waves, particularly during the 17th and 18th centuries when French settlers moved to North America and the Caribbean. In English-speaking countries, the spelling may have evolved slightly from its original form, with variations such as Lans, Lancey, and Lancing also found.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lance

The surname Lance has a predominantly English origin and is widely distributed across several countries due to historical migrations and colonization. In England, it is most commonly found in counties such as Lancashire, Warwickshire, and Yorkshire, where the name likely derived from local place names. The name also has a significant presence in the United States, particularly in states like Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee, due to early English settlers. In addition, there are notable concentrations of the Lance family in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, again reflecting European immigration patterns. Furthermore, the surname can be found in various parts of Europe, such as France, Belgium, and Germany, where it may have been adopted by families of French origin or through the Norman Conquest. Overall, the geographical distribution of the Lance surname reflects its historical roots and migrations from England to other English-speaking countries and continents.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lance

The surname Lance has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variations include Lanze, Lans, Lancz, and Lanss. Additionally, there are regional or cultural variations such as de Lans (a French form), van der Lans (a Dutch form), and Mac Lannsa (an Irish Gaelic form). The name is believed to be of Old French origin, derived from the word "lance" meaning spear or javelin. It may have been an occupational name for a spear-maker or a nickname for a bold or quick person.

Famous people with the last name Lance

Lance Armstrong, arguably the most recognized individual bearing the surname Lance, is a former American professional cyclist and a seven-time Tour de France winner between 1999 and 2005. His successes earned him worldwide acclaim and numerous awards, including the AP Male Athlete of the Year award in 2002 and 2003, and ESPN's Sportsman of the Century. However, in 2012, Armstrong was stripped of his Tour de France titles due to a doping scandal, which led to his lifetime ban from competitive sports by USADA.

Another notable figure with the name Lance is Lance Corporal Archie L. Lance, an American soldier who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during World War I, making him one of only 24 African Americans to receive this distinction. Lance was killed in action on May 5, 1918, while leading an attack on a heavily fortified German position in France.

These two individuals represent the highs and lows of fame associated with the last name Lance in American history.

Genealogical research on the last name Lance

The surname Lance is believed to have originated from the Old French word "lancier," meaning spearman or knight. It was primarily a Norman and Breton occupational name given to knights who specialized in using long spears, known as lances. In England, the name began to appear during the 11th century after the Norman Conquest, with early examples found in records such as the Domesday Book of 1086. The name spread to other parts of Europe due to the Crusades and the migrations following the fall of Normandy to France in the 15th century. Notable individuals bearing the name include French astronomer André-Louis Lalande (also known as Andrew Lance), and American baseball player Larry Lance. Variations of the surname include de Lans, De Lanc, Le Lanc, and Lanzo.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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