Boy · 1956th of 16,616
Rance
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
2,992
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1962
Peak Popularity Year
57
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Rance stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Rance is an Old French name meaning 'river' or 'stream.' It has evolved from Old French to Modern English while retaining its connection to water. The name is rare today but is perceived as modern and unique, with no biblical significance. Notable individuals with this name include Rance Howard and Rance Allen.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ræns/
Origin
Old French
Etymology
The name Rance is derived from the Old French word for a type of river or stream. It is thought to be linked to the River Rance in Brittany, France.
Meaning
river, stream
Language Evolution
Old French: Rance, Middle English: Rance, Modern English: Rance
Historical Usage
The name Rance has been used since the medieval period, gaining some popularity in English-speaking countries during the 20th century as a unique given name.
Variants & Derivatives
Rans, Rancey
Modern Popularity & Image
Rance is considered a rare and distinctive name today, often viewed as modern and unique.
Famous People
Rance Howard, an American actor and father of Ron Howard., Rance Allen, an American gospel singer and preacher.
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 57 peak births in 1962
Geographic Spread
Popular across 10 US states, with strongest presence in Texas
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 7 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 1 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 7 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 2486th of 7545 | 172 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1805th of 6773 | 291 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1243rd of 7552 | 724 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1391st of 10718 | 612 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 1956th of 16616 | 572 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 3520th of 24088 | 435 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 5970th of 23106 | 175 |