Agnes
Agnes is a girl's name of Greek origin.
Meaning
Pure, holy, or chaste.
Origin and history
Agnes is a traditional feminine name of Ancient Greek origin derived from 'Hagne', meaning pure or holy. It was extremely popular in the early 20th century in the U.S. and has recently seen a modest revival among parents seeking classic vintage names.
Popularity in the United States
159,517 babies in the United States have been named Agnes since 1880. It ranks #248 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1029.
States where it is most popular
- PA (11.9 %)
- NY (11.2 %)
- IL (4.6 %)
- OH (4.3 %)
- MA (3.8 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 7,237 |
| 1890-1900 | 14,429 |
| 1900-1910 | 17,616 |
| 1910-1920 | 39,255 |
| 1920-1930 | 39,222 |
| 1930-1940 | 18,032 |
| 1940-1950 | 9,518 |
| 1950-1960 | 5,602 |
| 1960-1970 | 2,714 |
| 1970-1980 | 913 |
| 1980-1990 | 744 |
| 1990-2000 | 626 |
| 2000-2010 | 635 |
| 2010-2019 | 1,638 |
| 2020-2029 | 1,336 |
Famous people named Agnes
- Agnes de Mille: Choreographer, Dancer
- Agnes Moorehead: Actress
- Agnes Martin: Painter, Artist
Nicknames
Aggie, Nessie
Fun facts
- Saint Agnes is the patron saint of young girls and chastity, which helped spread the name throughout medieval Europe.
- Although of Greek derivation, the name became historically associated with the Latin word 'agnus', meaning lamb.