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At a Glance: Name: Chance – Meaning: pet form of Chauncey; popularly reassociated with the word 'chance' (luck/fortune) in modern use – Origin: English (American pet form of Chauncey) – Gender: Neutral – Pronunciation: CHANS
Chance is a classic, gender-neutral name pronounced CHANS. It's often said to mean 'luck' or 'fortune,' but that's really a modern reading of the everyday word 'chance' — the name itself started out in English as an American pet form of Chauncey, with the luck/fortune association catching on only later. It's held a familiar, timeless feel on the SSA rolls since 1883.
Meaning & Origin of Chance
Meaning: Pet form of chauncey; popularly reassociated with the word 'chance' (luck/fortune) in modern use.
Origin: English (American pet form of Chauncey).
A common claim: Chance is said to mean 'luck' or 'fortune.' Actually: Chance actually began as an American pet form of Chauncey. Its link to luck or fortune came later, through association with the everyday word 'chance.'
Source: Wiktionary.
How to Pronounce Chance
Phonetic: CHANS IPA: /ˈtʃæns/
Popularity of Chance
Chance hit its peak popularity at #154 in 1996, when 2,243 babies were given the name; by 2024 it had settled to #418, with 757 babies.
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration birth-name data, 1883–2024.
Make Chance Name Art
Free printable nursery art for Chance, pre-loaded below — pick a layout, palette, and font, then download a print-ready PNG.
Names With a Similar Story
Derived from shared style, era, and origin data (or, for names we have no style data for, a similar Social Security popularity trajectory) — not a hand-picked list.
FAQ
What does the name Chance mean?
Pet form of chauncey; popularly reassociated with the word ‘chance’ (luck/fortune) in modern use. (Source: Wiktionary, https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Chance)
How do you pronounce Chance?
Chance is pronounced CHANS (IPA: /ˈtʃæns/).
Is Chance a popular name right now?
Chance peaked at #154 in 1996 and is ranked #418 as of 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1883–2024.)
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