Nance

Nance is an English name that originated as a medieval pet form of Agnes, itself derived from the Greek Hagne, from the root hagnos meaning pure or holy. The shift from Agnes to Nance reflects the common medieval English practice of altering initial vowels through the attachment or reanalysis of the preceding article, as seen also in Nan. It was used as an independent given name in England from at least the early modern period. Related forms include Nan, Nancy, and Nanette.