Holding steady.
Popularity of Nan since 1880
Babies named Nan per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1947, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Nan's real moment was 1889.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 322 |
| 1890s | 405 |
| 1900s | 457 |
| 1910s | 825 |
| 1920s | 1,198 |
| 1930s | 1,467 |
| 1940s | 2,099 |
| 1950s | 2,181 |
| 1960s | 877 |
| 1970s | 223 |
| 1980s | 121 |
| 1990s | 62 |
| 2000s | 24 |
| 2010s | 7 |
| 2020s | 6 |
Meaning & origin
Nan is a classic diminutive that first appeared on U.S. birth records in 1880. It reached its peak rank in 1889, when it was at its highest usage. The name has remained stable in usage over the decades, never experiencing a dramatic revival. As a standalone name, Nan carries a vintage charm, reflecting the naming trends of the late 19th century.
Nan originated as a diminutive of Ann, itself from the Hebrew Hannah meaning "grace" or "favor." In medieval England, Nan became a common pet form, later standing alone as an independent given name. It was also used as a short form of Nancy, which itself evolved from Ann. The name was especially popular in the 19th century.
Where Nan is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Sibling names for Nan
Names that share Nan's style, for a brother or sister.
