What is the origin of the last name Nance?
Countries of origin for the last name Nance
The last name NANCE is of English origin. It is a variant of the surname NIMMO, which itself has Scottish origins. The name NANCE is believed to have derived from the medieval personal name Nance, a diminutive of Ann or Annis. It is a patronymic surname, meaning it is derived from the name of an ancestor.
In terms of etymology, the name NANCE is classified as a metronymic surname, indicating that it is derived from a mother’s name. The surname signifies “the son of Nance” or “descendant of Nance”. It is common for patronymic surnames to be transformed over time, resulting in the various spellings and derivations that exist today.
Geographically, the distribution of the NANCE surname is primarily concentrated in the United States, particularly in the southern states such as Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. It is also found to a lesser extent in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
Historically, the NANCE surname has been recorded in various documents and records throughout the centuries. Census data from the late 19th and early 20th centuries shows the presence of individuals with the NANCE surname in different parts of the United States, indicating its longevity and resilience.
Furthermore, the NANCE surname has seen variations in spelling over time, including variations such as NANTZ and NANTZSCH. These variations may be attributed to regional accents or phonetic variations in different areas, as well as errors in transcription and documentation. However, despite these variations, the core origin and meaning of the surname remain the same.
Overall, the NANCE surname has a rich history, with its origins dating back to medieval times. Its etymology as a patronymic surname indicates its connection to a maternal ancestor, and its distribution across different countries suggests migration and dispersion over the centuries. While the specifics of individual family histories may vary, the NANCE surname continues to serve as a link to personal and ancestral identities.
This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the last name NANCE, encompassing its etymology, geographical distribution, historical presence, and variations. The exploration of this surname highlights the interconnectedness of families and the significance of personal names in shaping individual and collective identities.
Interesting facts about the last name Nance
- The surname Nance is believed to have originated as a variation of the medieval English given name “Anselm,” which was established by the Normans after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.
- Nance is a relatively uncommon surname, with its largest concentration found in the United States, particularly in states like North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
- However, the surname Nance has spread beyond the United States, and can also be found in other English-speaking countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
- The name Nance may also derive from the Middle English word “nans,” meaning “nun,” suggesting a possible connection to religious or monastic life in medieval England.
- In some cases, the surname Nance may have originated from a patronymic form of the given name “Anselm,” meaning “son of Anselm,” indicating a family connection to someone with this given name in their ancestry.
- Interestingly, the surname Nance is relatively rare in its original form in England today, but variations of the name, such as “Nancarrow” and “Nancollas,” are more prevalent.
- The Nance surname has also been associated with notable individuals throughout history, including actors and performers like Jack Nance, known for his role in David Lynch’s “Eraserhead,” and skydiving pioneer James M. Nance, who played a significant role in the development of modern parachuting techniques.
- Additionally, Nance is sometimes used as a given name or nickname, particularly in the southern United States.
Name Rank
#1487
There are around 24018 people with the last name Nance in the US