Last Name Yance

Learn more about the origin of the last name Yance

The meaning and origin of the last name Yance

The surname Yance is predominantly found in the United States, particularly in the Appalachian region and the Southern states. It is an Anglicized variant of the French surname Janot or Gannault, which were derived from the given name Jean (John) with the diminutive suffix "-ot" added. The French colonists who settled in America often anglicized their names to fit English phonetics, leading to variations such as Yancey, Jankins, and Genz. The earliest known records of this surname can be traced back to the 17th century in Virginia and North Carolina. Over time, the spelling has evolved to include Yancy, Yanskey, Yanzonis, and other variations. Notable individuals bearing the name Yance or its variants include John Yancey, a U.S. Representative from Georgia during the 19th century, and James Yancey, known professionally as J Dilla, a renowned American record producer and rapper.

Geographical distribution of the last name Yance

The surname Yance is predominantly found in the Southern United States, particularly in states such as North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia. It originates from the Old French name "Janin" or "Jean," which was brought to England by the Normans and then carried over to the American colonies. Over time, variations of the name such as Yancey, Yank, Yankee, and Jeanes emerged. The high concentration of the surname in the Southern U.S. can be attributed to the region's historical French and Norman influences, as well as the movement of people during the colonial period and the Great Migration. Today, significant populations of people bearing the name Yance can also be found in other parts of the United States due to migration and genealogical diffusion.

Variants and spellings of the last name Yance

The surname Yance has several variations and spellings, including Yanace, Yances, Yancy, Yancey, and Jancey. These differences can be attributed to regional dialects, transcription errors over time, or individual preferences in spelling. The name is of English origin, derived from the medieval given name 'Janok', a diminutive of John. It was often used as a surname among those who were named John during their lifetime. The variations in spelling demonstrate the historical flexibility and evolution of surnames over time, as well as the diverse cultural influences that have shaped modern naming practices.

Famous people with the last name Yance

Prominent individuals with the surname Yance include:

1. Jimmie Dale Yancey (born 1948), better known as John Hiatt, an American singer-songwriter and guitarist who has released numerous albums and won a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Folk Album in 1995.

2. Michael Yancey (born 1976), a former professional American football defensive tackle who played for the New Orleans Saints and the Tennessee Titans in the National Football League (NFL).

3. Elizabeth Yancey (1808-1861), an American educator and women's rights activist from Georgia, who co-founded and served as principal of a school for girls in Covington, Kentucky.

4. Charles Yancey Jr. (born 1952), an American politician who served as the U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania's 3rd congressional district from 1987 to 1991.

5. John B. Yancey (1846-1910), an American businessman and philanthropist, founder of the Singer Sewing Machine Company of Chicago and a major figure in the development of Chicago's downtown area.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields such as music, sports, education, politics, and business.

Genealogical research on the last name Yance

The surname Yance or Yankee originates from the Old English "Eanec" and Anglo-Saxon "Eanca," which translates to "anchor." Initially, it was a personal name that denoted one who was strong or sturdy, similar to an anchor in its stability. Over time, this name transformed into a surname primarily in England and the British colonies of North America.

The Yance family is known to have migrated from England to Virginia in the early 17th century. Among them were John Yance, who arrived in Jamestown, Virginia, in 1620, and William Yance, an early settler of New York in 1635. The surname gained prominence during the American Revolution when a notable figure, Captain Samuel Yancey, served in the North Carolina militia.

The Yance family spread across the Southern United States with significant populations found in Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, and the Carolinas. Variations of the name include Yancy, Jance, Yankey, and Jankee. Genealogical research continues to uncover more about this fascinating surname's history and its notable members throughout history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Yance"
• 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 : 11 June 2025