Ines

Ines is the Germanic, Italian, Slavic, and Scandinavian form of Agnes, ultimately derived from the ancient Greek name Hagnē, from the root hagnos meaning pure or chaste. The name spread widely through medieval Europe owing to the veneration of Saint Agnes of Rome, a young martyr of the early fourth century who became one of the most celebrated virgin saints of the Christian tradition. The Portuguese form Inês is closely associated with Inês de Castro, the tragic fourteenth-century noblewoman whose love affair with the future King Peter I of Portugal inspired enduring literary works. Related forms include Inés in Spanish, Inès in French, and the classical Agnes itself.