Nancy

Nancy is an English name that originated as a medieval pet form of Annis, itself a vernacular form of Agnes, derived from the Greek Hagnē, meaning pure or chaste. The doubling of diminutive affection — from Ann to Nan to Nancy — follows a common pattern in English nickname formation also seen in names like Ned from Edward. It gained widespread independent use by the eighteenth century and became especially popular in the United States during the mid-twentieth century, borne by notable figures such as First Lady Nancy Reagan. Related forms include Nan, Nance, and the source name Agnes.