Lance

Updated: October 9, 2023 by MomsWhoThink Staff

Lance is a strong and hearty name for boys. Reminiscent of the days of heroism and gallantry, Lance is a current favorite among top-tier athletes. The name also plays a memorable role in popular culture. Lance Charles McClain is the blue paladin in the Voltron Universe, and both Lance Alvers and Lance Hunter appear in the Marvel Universe. Keep reading to learn more about this baby name.

Meaning of the Name Lance

Lance is the English variation of the Germanic name Lanzo. This name derives from the Old Germanic element landa (meaning “land”). The name Lance referred to the landed gentry or others who owned or lived near good land. By the Middle Ages, Lance had become a homonym of the French word lance. This word derives from the Latin lancea (meaning “combat weapon” or “spear”). Lance is also the short form of Lancelot, one of the 12 major knights in Arthurian legends.

Lance originally derived from the Old Germanic word for “land.” However, most people now associate Lance with the combat weapon or with the legendary knight called Lancelot. In Arthurian literature, Lancelot is the prototype of the chivalrous warrior. Symbols for Lancelot include the dragon, the spear, and the sword.

Nicknames for Lance

The name Lance evokes feelings of valiance and vigor. For such a strong and confident name, it's fun to pair it with a lighthearted nickname. We've come up with a few options below but feel free to come up with an option that's totally unique to their personality.