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.
MeaningDweller near the marshes; from Middle English fens or fan (marsh, fen); or from a place called Vans in Scotland
U.S. rank (2024)#996 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births226 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1969
Total births (all-time)≈ 26,811
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
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.
