Fannie is a classic baby name for girls. As one of the top 100 baby girl names during the first decade of the 20th century, Fannie became the namesake of numerous social activists and icons. The name also has a memorable place in popular culture. Fannie is a main character in the Fannie and Earl comedy sketch series, and Fannie is also the protagonist of the classic tale Miss Fannie's Hat. Keep reading to learn more about this name.
Meaning of the name Fannie:
Latin: Frenchman, free man
Greek: Crown, wreath, garland
Origin of the name Fannie:
Fannie is a classic baby name with several related origins. The first origin is that Fannie is the English diminutive of Frances. This name derives from the Latin word Franciscus and means “Frenchman” or “free man.” Alternatively, Fannie is also a diminutive of Stefanie. This name derives from the Greek word Στέφανος and means “wreath,” “garland,” or “crown.”
Symbolism of the name Fannie:
Fannie is a diminutive of Frances. This name is the feminine variant of Francis and means “Frenchman.” It was also one of many nicknames for Saint Francis of Assisi. Saint Francis received this nickname due his wealthy family's businesses in France and the reverence of the French people. After enjoying a privileged childhood, the medieval saint devoted his life to the poor. His devotees (known as Franciscans) take a vow of poverty and commit to helping all living creatures. For this reason, Saint Francis is the patron of animals and the environment. He is also the patron saint of Italy. The symbol of Saint Francis is the bird.
Style of the name Fannie:
Classic
Gender of the name Fannie:
Fannie is a girl's baby name.
Pronunciation of the name Fannie:
FAN-nee
Number of syllables in the name Fannie:
Two
Emotion evoked from the name Fannie:
The name Fannie evokes feelings of energy and assertiveness.
Alternative spellings for the name Fannie:
- Fanni
- Fanny
- Fanney
- Fannee
- Fanye
- Fannye
Nicknames for the name Fannie:
- Fan
- Ann
- Annie
- Nene
Popularity of the name Fannie:
According to the Social Security Administration index, Fannie was the 2,556th most popular baby name for girls in 2020. Fannie ranked among the top 1,000 baby names for girls from 1900-1967.
Related names for the name Fannie:
Great middle names for Fannie and their meanings:
- Astrid (divinely beautiful)
- Brianna (high, noble, hill)
- Crystal (jewel, gemstone, brilliant glass)
- Elvina (elf friend, noble companion)
- Gillian (youthful, downy)
- Kasey (watchful, vigilant)
- Latisha (joy, happiness)
- Muriel (bright sea)
- Samuela (God has heard)
- Tarana (daytime, music, song)
- Wallis (foreigner)
- Zayna (beauty, grace)
Famous people with the name Fannie:
- Fannie Fern Andrews (writer)
- Fannie Lee Chaney (civil rights activist)
- Fannie Merritt Farmer (culinary expert)
- Fannie Hardy Eckstorm (writer and folklorist)
- Fannie Lou Hamer (voting rights activist)
- Fannie “Vitola” Kauffman (comedienne)
- Fannie Heaslip Lea (poet)
- Fannie Ernestine Motley (educator)
- Fannie Barrier Williams (women's rights activist)
- Fannie Bloomfield Zeisler (pianist)
Fannie in popular culture:
- Fannie (main character in the Fannie and Earl comedy sketch series)
- Fannie (protagonist of Miss Fannie's Hat by Jan Karon)
- Fannie Mae (government-backed financial services company)