Nancy

Updated: September 27, 2023 by Olivia Mittak

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 sits among the top 1,000 names.

Meaning and 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. Nancy became popular as its own standalone name in the 18th century. The name became a popular standalone name in America in the 20th century. The name has a simple meaning: “grace”.

Symbolism of the Name Nancy:

Annis, which 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.

Nicknames for the Name Nancy:

There are a lot of options when it comes to picking a nickname for Nancy! Many children end up with a nickname, usually a cute or funny one. Remember that you can always change your child's nickname if you want! As your child grows, you might find that a different nickname suits them. Consider these as options:

Nan
Nannie
Cece
Ni Ni
Nans
Nan Nan
Nana
Nanner
Nene
Nana banana
Nandy
Francie
Nanx
Nixie

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

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; as of 2022, Nancy is rank 997, according to the Social Security Popularity Index.