The name Lance has its origins in the Late Latin word "lancea", meaning "spear" or "lance". This word was derived from the Celtic "landskia", also referring to a type of spear or lance used as a weapon in ancient times.

The name first emerged during the Middle Ages, around the 11th or 12th century, and was commonly used in countries such as France, England, and Italy. It gained popularity as a given name due to its association with the iconic weapon, which was widely used by knights and soldiers during that period.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Lance can be found in the 12th-century epic poem "Chanson de Roland", which tells the story of the legendary knight Roland and his comrades during the reign of Charlemagne. In this work, the name is mentioned in reference to a character named Lance, suggesting its use as a personal name at that time.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Lance. One of the most famous was Lance Lancelot, a legendary knight of the Round Table in Arthurian mythology, renowned for his bravery and skill in combat. Another prominent figure was Lance Armstrong, the American cyclist who won the Tour de France seven consecutive times from 1999 to 2005, though his victories were later stripped due to doping allegations.

Other notable individuals with the name Lance include Lance Corporal, a rank in the military, particularly in the British Army; Lance Henriksen, an American actor known for his roles in films such as "Aliens" and "The Terminator" (born 1940); and Lance Reddick, an American actor best known for his role as Cedric Daniels in the HBO series "The Wire" (born 1962).

Additionally, the name Lance has been mentioned in various literary works, including Shakespeare's play "Hamlet", where the character Hamlet refers to a "lancer" or "lanced" wound. This further reinforces the name's connection to the ancient weapon and its historical significance.