Nancy is a baby name with an old-timey feel. Though now a popular standalone option with a vintage feel, the name was once a nickname for both Anne and Annis. Currently, it is a top 900 option.

Meaning of the name Nancy:

English: grace

Origin of the name Nancy:

Nancy began as a nickname for the baby name Annis during Medieval times. The nickname became so popular, that it then was used for the name Ann in England. The name became a popular standalone name in America in the 20th century.

Symbolism of the name Nancy:

Annis that Nancy was originally a nickname for traces back to Agnes meaning “lamb.” The lamb was the sign of grace in the Christian church. Ann also means “gracious” which is a form of grace in Hebrew.

baby name Nancy

Style of the name Nancy:

Traditional

Gender of the name Nancy:

Nancy is a traditional name for baby girls.

Pronunciation of the name Nancy:

NAN-see

Number of syllables in the name Nancy:

Two

Emotion evoked from the name Nancy:

Nancy sounds vintage and traditional. It is kind, lighthearted, and humble.

Alternative spellings for the name Nancy:

  • Nanci
  • Nancee
  • Nancie 
  • Nanseigh
  • Nanceigh
  • Nansee

Nicknames for the name Nancy:

  • Nance
  • Nanse
  • Nan
  • Nannie
  • Cece
  • Ni Ni

Popularity of the name Nancy:

Nancy was at its most popular in the mid-twentieth century. From 1934 to 1955, it was a top 10 name. The name remained on the top 100 list until 1978. Ever since then, it has declined, and as of 2020, Nancy is rank 893.

Related names for the name Nancy:

Great middle names for Nancy and their meanings:

Famous people with the name Nancy:

  • Nancy Pelosi (Speaker of the House)
  • Nancy Reagan (former first lady)
  • Nancy Lincoln (mother of Abraham Lincoln)
  • Nancy Wilson (lead singer of Heart band)
  • Nancy Sinatra (daughter of Frank Sinatra, singer)
  • Nancy Kerrigan (former Olympic figure skater)
  • Nancy Mitford (novelist)

Nancys in popular culture:

  • Nancy Drew (title character from “Nancy Drew” series)
  • Nancy Wheeler (character from “Stranger Things”)
  • Nancy (character from “Archie & Friends” comics)
  • Nancy Botwin (character from “Weeds”)
  • Nancy Nichols (character from “Doc”)
  • Nancy Callahan (character from “Sin City”)