Vance (surname)

Vance is a surname of multiple origins, primarily found in English, Scottish, and Irish populations. It is considered to be both a given name-derived surname and a topographic surname.

Origin and Meaning:

• English/Scottish: Derived from the medieval personal name "Vance" or "Vaunce," which is a pet form of the name Vincent. Vincent ultimately originates from the Latin "Vincentius," meaning "conquering."

• Irish: An Anglicized form of the Gaelic surname "Mac Bháin," meaning "son of the fair one" or "son of the pale one." This is usually associated with families from County Donegal and County Tyrone. The variant "McVance" is also common.

• Topographic: In some instances, the surname may derive from a topographical feature, possibly related to a marshy or fenland area, though this is less common than the derivation from the given name or Gaelic surname.

Distribution:

The surname Vance is relatively common in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Its distribution reflects historical patterns of immigration and settlement.

Notable People with the Surname Vance:

• A non-exhaustive list of notable people with the surname Vance includes politicians, athletes, authors, and figures in various other fields. (Specific examples would need to be added to make this a more comprehensive entry.)

Variants:

Variants of the surname Vance include Vaunce, McVance, and possibly some more localized spellings depending on geographic region.

Further Research:

Genealogical resources and surname dictionaries can provide more in-depth information regarding the origins and history of specific Vance families.