The name Blanche originates from the French language, derived from the Old French word "blanche" which means "white" or "fair". This name has its roots in the Late Latin word "blanca", which also held the same meaning.

During the Middle Ages, the name Blanche became popular among the French nobility, especially in the 12th and 13th centuries. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the 12th-century French epic poem "The Song of Roland", where a character named Blanche is mentioned.

In the 13th century, Blanche of Castile (1188-1252), the Queen consort of France as the wife of King Louis VIII, played a significant role in French history. She served as regent for her son, Louis IX, during his minority and is remembered for her influential governance.

Another notable figure was Blanche of Navarre (1330-1398), who was the Queen consort of France as the wife of King Philip VI. She was known for her intelligence and political acumen, and played a crucial role in the Hundred Years' War against England.

In literature, one of the most famous characters with the name Blanche is Blanche DuBois from Tennessee Williams' renowned play "A Streetcar Named Desire" (1947). The character's fragility and struggles with mental illness have become iconic in American theater.

In the world of opera, Blanche de la Force is a character in the 19th-century French opera "Dialogues des Carmélites" by Francis Poulenc. The opera tells the story of the Martyrs of Compiègne during the French Revolution.

Another notable figure was Blanche Monnier (1849-1913), a French poet and writer who was part of the Parnassian movement and known for her works such as "Les Débuts" and "Les Trait d'Union".

While the name Blanche has its origins in France, it has been widely adopted and used in various cultures and languages over the centuries, often retaining its association with purity, innocence, and beauty.