Nancy

Nancy originated as a medieval English pet form of Annes, itself a variant of Agnes, though it later came to be used as an independent diminutive of Anne, which derives from the Hebrew Hannah, meaning grace or favor. The name gained widespread use in England and North America during the 18th and 19th centuries, and became particularly popular in the United States in the mid-20th century. Notable bearers include Nancy Reagan, First Lady of the United States, and Nancy Mitford, the British novelist. Related forms include Nan, Nanette, and Anna.