Short form of Laurence or a topographic name for ranch.
Rance is primarily used as a diminutive of Laurence, meaning 'from Laurentum'. It also has roots as an English occupational or topographic surname referring to a ranch or a row of houses. In some cases, it may be linked to the River Rance in Brittany, France.
Less common today
Rance isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #1,590 in 1990.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
American actor and father of director Ron Howard
Former Major League Baseball third baseman
The idealistic lawyer played by James Stewart · The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
Gospel singer and leader of The Rance Allen Group
