Nancy
Nancy first appears in US records in 0. It peaked in 1947, when 32,445 girls were given the name.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Nancy popular?
Vintage Nancy is rarely given today, but saw real use in the past — it peaked back in 1947.
| 2020s | 1,677 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 3,928 | |
| 2000s | 10,959 | |
| 1990s | 19,495 | |
| 1980s | 25,493 | |
| 1970s | 41,850 | |
| 1960s | 142,724 | |
| 1950s | 286,812 | |
| 1940s | 252,061 | |
| 1930s | 142,488 | |
| 1920s | 43,807 | |
| 1910s | 17,283 | |
| 1900s | 5,733 | |
| 1890s | 5,346 | |
| 1880s | 4,792 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Nancy mean?
Originally a medieval diminutive of Ann (from a misdivision of 'mine Ann' into 'my Nan'), carrying Ann's meaning of grace or favour from Hebrew Hannah. An older alternative traces it to Agnes ('pure'), so the grace meaning is the usual but not sole account.
Names like Nancy
english names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Nancy
Popular english names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Nancy
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Nancy mean?
Nancy means grace, favour. Originally a medieval diminutive of Ann (from a misdivision of 'mine Ann' into 'my Nan'), carrying Ann's meaning of grace or favour from Hebrew Hannah. An older alternative traces it to Agnes ('pure'), so the grace meaning is the usual but not sole account.
What is the origin of the name Nancy?
Nancy is of english origin.
How do you pronounce Nancy?
Nancy is pronounced “NAN-see.”
Is Nancy a boy or a girl name?
Nancy is most commonly used as a girl name.
Is Nancy a popular name right now?
Nancy is rarely given today, but saw real use in the past — it peaked back in 1947.
How popular is the name Nancy?
In 2025, Nancy ranked #967 among girls’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Nancy most popular?
Nancy was most popular in 1947, when about 32,445 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What names are similar to Nancy?
Names similar to Nancy include Dorothy, Joan, Addison, Harper, Jane.
What names go well with Nancy?
english names that pair well with Nancy include Dorothy, Edward, Joan, Mason, Robin.