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Chance

♂ Boy

Pronounced CHANTS /tʃæns/High

Meaning: From Middle English and Old French 'cheance,' meaning fortune, luck, or an opportunity; derived from Vulgar Latin 'cadentia' (a falling, occurrence), transferred to use as a given nameHigh

In 30 seconds: Chance is a bold, one-syllable word name meaning luck and opportunity. It carries a daring, optimistic spirit and has been a steady favorite for boys seeking something simple and striking.
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Origin HighEnglish, Old French
MeaningFrom Middle English and Old French 'cheance,' meaning fortune, luck, or an opportunity; derived from Vulgar Latin 'cadentia' (a falling, occurrence), transferred to use as a given name
U.S. rank (2025)#442 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births711 boys (0.04% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1996
Total births (all-time)≈ 54,601

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 199618832025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Chance comes from Middle English chaunce and Old French cheance, ultimately tracing to Vulgar Latin cadentia, meaning 'a falling' or 'occurrence.' The word entered English around the 13th century as a common noun for fortune or luck, and gradually became used as a given name, particularly in American English.

As a first name, Chance gained traction in the latter half of the 20th century, fitting within the American tradition of meaningful word names. It appeals to parents who want something short, confident, and positive in meaning. The name has remained in the U.S. top 300 for boys since the 1990s.

Did you know? Chance is both a given name and the middle name of rapper Chancelor Bennett — known as Chance the Rapper — who helped bring fresh cultural visibility to the name in the 2010s.
Overall data confidence 92%
Behind the Name — Chance — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

ChanseChaunce

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

  • ★Chance the Rapper (1993–present)
    American rapper and musician born Chancelor Bennett

If you like Chance…

Chase— shares the one-syllable, action-energy feel and similar sound
Chance
Blaze— another bold, punchy word name with a daring quality
Dax— equally short and sharp word-name with modern American appeal

Frequently Asked

What does the name Chance mean?

Chance means good fortune, luck, or opportunity, from Old French 'cheance' and ultimately Latin 'cadentia' meaning a falling or occurrence.

How do you pronounce Chance?

Chance is a single syllable pronounced CHANTS /tʃæns/.

Is Chance a popular boys' name?

Yes. Chance has been in the U.S. top 300 boys' names since the 1990s and remains a steady choice for parents who prefer bold, one-syllable names.

Is Chance a word name?

Yes. Chance is an English word meaning fortune or opportunity that was transferred to use as a given name, part of a long American tradition of meaningful word names.