Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Chance

Chance is the transferred use of an English surname that originated from France. After the Norman Invasion of 1066, the French brought the nickname “cheance” to England. It means ‘a remarkable piece of luck’. In Middle English, the word “chea(u)nce” translated to ‘accidental fortune, luck’. It is believed that this nickname was probably given to either a person with good fortune or a chronic gambler. The creation of surnames from nicknames was a common practice after the Norman Conquest; surnames being required for easier identification of people and their assets for reasons of taxation. Chance first appeared as a surname in the early 13th century. The English vocabulary word “chance” indicates some force of nature that something (usually good) will happen without any apparent cause. As a given name, Chance has been in use since the 19th century, but it did not meet with any real success until the latter half of the 20th century.

All About the Baby Name – Chance

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME CHANCE

The number Seven personality is deeply mystical and highly in tune with their spirituality. They operate on a different wavelength than the average joe. Spending time alone comes easily to Sevens, as it gives them time to contemplate philosophical, religious and spiritual ideas in an effort to find "real truth".  Sevens are wise, but often exude mystery as if they are tapped into something the rest of us don't understand. They love the outdoors and are fed by nature. Sevens are constantly seeking to understand human nature, our place in the universe, and the mystery of life in general. This makes them quite artistic and poetic, but they are also keen observers with high intellect - so they are equally scientific-minded. Sevens are charitable and care deeply about the human condition.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME CHANCE

The name Chance first appeared on the U.S. naming charts for boys in 1967 (it did show up once in 1883, but at low usage and only for that year). For all intents and purposes, Chance is a later 20th century male name. It is occasionally used for females, but so rarely that it’s never appeared on the female naming charts. For this reason, we are considering Chance a boy’s name. The name reached its height of popularity in 1996 at #154 on the charts; this is fairly high to moderate usage. Since the mid 1990s Chance has been showing backwards momentum on the charts. Today the name enjoys pretty moderate success. It’s a good choice for parents who don’t like ultra masculine names for their little boys and are looking for that quick one-syllable sound. The name also has a preppy sensibility that harkens us back to the 1980s and brings to mind boy names like Chauncey and Chase. We think Chance is the more genteel of these choices. It’s also a good omen that your little boy will have a “chance” at fortune and luck!

Quick Facts

ON CHANCE

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

1

RANKING POPULARITY:

240

PRONUNCIATION:

CHANCE

SIMPLE MEANING:

Good fortune

Characteristics

OF CHANCE

Mystical

Wise

Eccentric

Intuitive

Imaginative

Philosophical

Solitary

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Chance

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME CHANCE

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Chance

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME CHANCE

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Chance


Popular Songs

ON CHANCE

Crazy Chance
a song by Kavana

Chance
a song by Big Country

A Chance
a song by Kenny Chesney

Famous People

NAMED CHANCE

Chance Bateman (Australian rugby player)
Chance Browne (cartoonist)
Chance Fry (soccer player)
Chance Myers (soccer player)
Chance Phelps (U.S. Marine)
Chance Thomas (composer)
Chance M. Vought (aviation pioneer)

Children of Famous People

NAMED CHANCE

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Chance

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME CHANCE

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Chance