Vance

♂ Boy

Pronounced VANTS /væns/High

Meaning: Dweller near the marshes; from Middle English fens or fan (marsh, fen); or from a place called Vans in ScotlandMedium

In 30 seconds: An English surname meaning 'dweller near the marshes,' from fens or fann. Associated with Cyrus Vance (Secretary of State 1977–1980), J.D. Vance (Vice President 2025–), and the author of Hillbilly Elegy.

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Origin MediumEnglish

MeaningDweller near the marshes; from Middle English fens or fan (marsh, fen); or from a place called Vans in Scotland

U.S. rank (2025)#1080 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births200 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1969

Total births (all-time)≈ 27,011

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Vance is an English surname of uncertain but likely Old English origin, possibly from fenn (marsh, fen) referring to families who lived near wetlands, or from a Scottish/English place called Vans or Vance. As a given name it is a modern American adoption.

Vance has been used as a given name in the U.S. since the 19th century. It ranked #996 for boys in 2024.

Did you know? J.D. Vance's memoir Hillbilly Elegy (2016) — named #4 on the 2016 New York Times bestseller list — made the surname Vance nationally recognized before his entry into politics, giving the name a dual literary-political profile.

Overall data confidence 80%

Behind the Name — Vance — etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

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Nicknames

Van

Famous Bearers

★Vance Packard (1914-1996)
American journalist and author of The Hidden Persuaders
★Vance Joy (1987-)
Australian singer-songwriter known for the song Riptide
★Vance DeGeneres (1954-)
American musician, actor and former Daily Show correspondent

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Vance mean?

Vance means 'dweller near the marshes,' from Middle English fens or fann (marsh, wetland).

How do you pronounce Vance?

It's said VANTS — one syllable.

Is Vance a boy or girl name?

Vance is used as a boys' name.

How popular is Vance?

Vance ranked #996 for U.S. boys in 2024.