Nancy (given name)


Nancy is an English language given name for women. The name Nancy was originally a diminutive form of Annis, a medieval English vernacular form of Agnes. In some English dialects, "mine" was used instead of "my" and "Mine Ancy" eventually became Nancy. The name was also later used as an English diminutive of Anne or Ann. It has been used as an independent name since the 18th century. In some instances it replaced variant Nanny, which was associated with the stereotype of a common, promiscuous woman from the 17th century onward. Spelling variants in use include Nancea, Nancee, Nancey, Nanci, Nancie, Nancsi, Nancye, Nanncey, Nanncy, Nansee, and Nansi. Similar names include Nan, Nance, Nanette, Nannerl, and Nannie.

Usage

Nancy has been among the 1,000 most popular names for girls in the United States since 1880. It was among the top 100 most popular names for American girls between 1919 and 1978 and was at the height of its popularity between 1934 and 1955, when it was among the top 10 most popular names for American girls. It has since declined in use and was the 941st most popular name for newborn American girls in 2023. Its greatest popularity in Canada and New Zealand was also in the 20th century. The name has increased in use in England and Wales in recent years, where it has been among the 100 most popular names for newborn girls since 2014.
Nancy may refer to:

People

Fictional characters