Originating from Old French, the name Lance is derived from the word 'lance', which means 'spear'. It entered the English language as a given name due to its popularity among medieval knights who bore it as a symbol of their status and courage. The name has been used consistently throughout history but gained significant popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries.
The name Lance saw its peak popularity between the years of 1979 to 1984 with a high of 22 births in 1979 and an average of around 15 births per year during this period. However, there was a significant decline in its usage after 1986, with fewer than 15 births each year from then on, reaching as low as 5 births in the years 1990 and 2004.