Chance

Chance is a British surname of English origin that has ancient roots dating back to the medieval period. The name is derived from the Old French word "cheance," which means "luck" or "fortune," and was likely used to denote a person who was considered fortunate or lucky.

The surname Chance is distributed widely across England, with concentrations in various regions such as Sussex, Surrey, and Hampshire. This dispersion indicates that branches of the Chance family may have originated in different parts of the country.

Throughout history, individuals bearing the surname Chance have been involved in a range of occupations, including farming, trade, and craftsmanship. Some members of the Chance family have also achieved prominence in various fields, such as academia, literature, and the arts.

Notable individuals with the surname Chance include:

  • Eppie Lederer Chance (1918–2002), American advice columnist known as Ann Landers.
  • James Chance (born 1953), American saxophonist and vocalist.
  • Britta Chance (born 1976), British scientist and researcher.

The surname Chance continues to be passed down through generations, contributing to the rich tapestry of British surnames and genealogy. Its evocative meaning and historical significance add depth and intrigue to the heritage of those who bear it.

There are approximately 2,968 people named Chance in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,016th most common surname in Britain. Around 46 in a million people in Britain are named Chance.

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Robert
  • Stephen
  • William

Female

  • Anne
  • Christine
  • Clare
  • Helen
  • Laura
  • Lisa
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Michelle
  • Patricia
  • Rebecca
  • Sarah
  • Sharon
  • Susan
  • Tracey

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.