Nance Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Nance come from? What does the surname Nance mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Nance and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Nance Origin: What does the last name Nance mean?
The surname Nance is of Cornish origin, with roots dating back to England in the early 16th century. It has since spread globally, with notable appearances in the United States and the United Kingdom. The name Nance has been associated with various notable individuals throughout history, including politicians, athletes, actors, and authors.
YourRoots data indicates the significant presence of the Nance surname in the United States, with a growing number of records over the centuries. This surname has maintained its prominence in the US and can also be found in other countries, showcasing its worldwide distribution and historical significance.
Nance Last Name History: Where did the last name Nance come from?
Origin of Nance Surname: Where does the last name Nance originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Nance first appeared in records from England around the early 16th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Nance spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Nance: What does the Nance surname history look like in the early days?
The Nance surname started growing notably in the United States from the 17th to the 19th centuries, with substantial frequency recorded in this period. YourRoots data also shows Nance family records in other countries, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Nance surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Nance surname grew significantly in the United States. The Nance surname remains prominent in the United States. It appears in many countries, including those with notable frequencies in the 20th century like the United Kingdom.
Explore Nance last name heritage and Nance surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Nance Surame?
Jack Nance
Marvin John Nance (December 21, 1943 – December 30, 1996) was an American actor known for his collaborations with filmmaker David Lynch. Nance portrayed the lead in Lynch's directorial debut, "Eraserhead" (1977), and had a recurring role as Pete Martell on the iconic series, "Twin Peaks" (1990–1991). With a unique and theatrical acting style, Nance's performances have gained a cult following, particularly in Lynch's projects like "Blue Velvet" and "Lost Highway." Despite personal struggles with alcoholism, Nance continued to leave a lasting impact on the film and television industry until his untimely death at the age of 53.
Larry Nance
Larry Donnell Nance Sr. (February 12, 1959 - ) is a former professional basketball player known for his time with the Phoenix Suns and Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA. Nance was a three-time NBA All-Star and the first winner of the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 1984, earning him the nickname "The High-Ayatolla of Slamola." He was a model of consistency, known for his scoring and rebounding abilities. Nance's son, Larry Nance Jr., also pursued a basketball career in the NBA. Nance's legacy in the league includes impressive stats and a strong presence on the court.
Jim Nance
James Solomon "Big Jim" Nance (December 30, 1942 – June 17, 1992) was an American professional football player known for his time as a fullback with the Boston Patriots in the American Football League. Nance was a dominant force on the field, leading the AFL in rushing for two consecutive seasons and becoming the only player in the league to rush for over 1,400 yards in a single season. His powerful playing style and impressive stats earned him recognition as an AFL All-Star and the league's Most Valuable Player in 1966. Nance's legacy as a top rusher in both the AFL and the World Football League solidifies his place in football history.
John J. Nance
John J. Nance (born Jul 5, 1946) is an American pilot, attorney, aviation and healthcare safety analyst, and author. Nance served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm. He is known for his work as an aviation analyst for ABC News and as a best-selling author, with books like "Pandora's Clock" and "Why Hospitals Should Fly". Nance applies aviation principles to healthcare and patient safety, advocating for quality care. As a former Braniff Airlines pilot, he authored "A Splash of Colors" detailing the airline's downfall. Nance's expertise has been featured on the TV series "Mayday", and he continues to be a prominent figure in aviation safety.
Eric Nance
Eric Randall Nance (January 9, 1960 – November 28, 2005) was an American man convicted of murder in Arkansas. He offered assistance to 18-year-old Julie Heath in 1993, only to be accused of raping and killing her. Despite claiming accidental death, Nance was found guilty of capital felony murder and sentenced to death. His execution in 2005 sparked debates around mental disability and the death penalty. Nance's story was featured in TV shows like "Murder Comes to Town" and "Evil Lives Here." His writings and song collaborations with an Irish tenor also shed light on his inner turmoil and dreams.
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