National Lance Day – October 8, 2022, history significance
National Lance Day is celebrated every year on October 8. Lance is a predominantly male name of Germanic, French, English, and Latin origins. In the U.S., the name ‘Lance’ was at its highest popularity in 2001, at the rank of 261. In that year, the number of births for the name was 1,286. Ten years later, the rank fell to 468 and witnessed a continuous decline in subsequent years. By 2021, Lance had fallen to number 811 in the list of most popular male names, making up only 297 births and accounting for 0.016% of total male births in that year.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL LANCE DAY
Lance is a predominantly male name of Germanic, French, English, and Latin origin. According to Ancestry.com, it was introduced to England by the Normans, becoming a popular name among the ruling classes.
In the English language, it could mean one of three things. First, it means ‘land.’ Second, a lance is also the word for a long weapon with a wooden handle and a pointed metal tip. Third, it also functions as a verb that refers to the act of cutting open an infected wound on a person’s body.
The name is also associated with Sir Lancelot, a Knight of the Round Table referring to the table where the knights of King Arthur sat. A mythical king from the medieval period, Arthur lived in Camelot, a castle in England. According to the legend, Sir Lancelot was one of the most trusted knights. Tales of bravery, chivalry, romance, and honor define these characters drawn from stories and themes that have inspired many fantasy movies and video gamers.
However, it is believed that the name originated from France before it came to England. In French, ‘lance’ means a tool or weapon similar to a spear. Accordingly, it was the metonymic name for a soldier who carried a lance. Lance is also a variation of the Germanic ‘lanzo,’ the short form of compound names that begin with ‘land,’ such as Langton and Lane, which brings to mind two American actors, Lane Edward Garrison, and Lane Napper.
In Latin, ‘lancea’ means a javelin-like weapon used by the Roman auxiliaries, or it could also refer to a plant in the Lamiales order, flowering plants that are members of the mint family.
NATIONAL LANCE DAY TIMELINE
1177 A.D.
Lancelot is Authored
“Lancelot, the Knight of the Cart” is written by Chrétien de Troyes.
1971
The road-racing cyclist
Lance Armstrong is born in Plano, Texas.
2001
The Name’s Popularity Peaks
Lance reaches its highest popularity, accounting for 0.062 of births in the U.S.
2021
The Name is Still Being Used
Lance hits 811 in the list of most popular male names.
NATIONAL LANCE DAY ACTIVITIES
Celebrate a Lance
Know anyone called Lance? Celebrate him and remind him what a special name he has.
Search for Lances
On National Lance Day, see how many people you can find who bear the name Lance. Check your phone’s contacts and keep your ears open. Go to our “facts” section and learn about all the famous people in history called Lance.
Spread awareness
Raise awareness about National Lance Day. Post a link to this article on social media and use the hashtag #nationallanceday.
5 FAMOUS PEOPLE CALLED LANCE
Lance Armstrong
Born September 18, 1971, Armstrong is a former professional road racing cyclist, who won the Tour de France seven consecutive times.
Lance Henriksen
Born May 5, 1940, Henriksen is an American actor and artist who gained popularity for his works in science fiction, action, and horror films.
Lance Reddick
Born December 31, 1962, Reddick is an American musician and actor.
Lance Kerwin
Born November 6, 1960, Kerwin is a former American actor, best known for his lead role in the series “James at 15.”
Lance Gross
Born July 8, 1981, Gross is a Ghanaian-American actor, model, and photographer well known for acting as Calvin Payne in Tyler Perry’s “House of Payne.”
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL LANCE DAY
Lance is an impactful name
The name Lance is a strong, masculine name. It inspires feelings of trust and speaks of chivalry and nobility.
Lance has old origins
Lance is a name that has origins in various cultures. Furthermore, it’s a name with pedigree, its origins dating back centuries to medieval England, France, and Germany.
National Lance Day is special
This holiday is a special day dedicated to people named Lance. On this day, they have the opportunity to feel special and recognized.
