Declining since 1985, #965 for girls today.
Popularity of Nancy since 1880
Babies named Nancy per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 4,792 |
| 1890s | 5,346 |
| 1900s | 5,733 |
| 1910s | 17,283 |
| 1920s | 43,807 |
| 1930s | 142,488 |
| 1940s | 252,061 |
| 1950s | 286,812 |
| 1960s | 142,724 |
| 1970s | 41,850 |
| 1980s | 25,493 |
| 1990s | 19,495 |
| 2000s | 10,959 |
| 2010s | 3,928 |
| 2020s | 1,677 |
Meaning & origin
Nancy is a classic English name that soared in popularity during the mid-20th century. According to the Social Security Administration, it peaked in 1947, when it was a top choice for baby girls. In 2025, the name ranked 965th, given to roughly 1 in every 6,065 girls. While its usage has been falling since 1985, it remains a recognized vintage choice. The name's trajectory shows a steady decline over recent decades, a pattern typical of midcentury favorites. Historically, Nancy was most popular in states like Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina. Though its peak year has long passed, Nancy endures as a familiar and enduring name.
Nancy began as a medieval English hypocorism of Ann or Agnes, both of which carry the Hebrew sense of 'grace'. It was originally spelled 'Nance' and later 'Nanci' or 'Nancy'. The name gained independent usage by the 18th century and became especially popular in the United States in the early 20th century. It was heavily favored in the 1930s and 1940s, reaching its peak in 1947, and has since declined steadily.
Where Nancy 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.
“Nancy” around the world
Where Nancy lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
20
babies in 2024
Ireland
#99
in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Nan, Nannie, Nance
Sibling names for Nancy
Names that share Nancy's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Cynthia, Janet, Mary, Carolyn, Yvette, Barbara, Beverly, Bobbie, Debbie, Dianna, Judy, Patricia, Patty, Peggy, Susan, Betsy, Carole, Caroll, Cathie, Debby, Dottie, Gerri, Judi, Judie, Kathie, Maryjo, Marylou, Patrica, Peggie, Barb, Bettyann, Carolee, Janey, Nancee, Sherril, Suanne, Susann, Trish, Bobbe, Jeani, Laurieann, Lisaann, Marysue, Patrecia, Patsey, Patsie, Peg, Sammye, Sherre, Suann, Carolle, Cynithia, Danney, Dody, Dotti, Jancy, Margi, Pattye, Pegge, Peggye, Susa, Susen, Bevely, Cathye, Dorri, Francy, Marji, Patsye, Pegi, Pollyann, Salle, Shaaron, Suzzane
Brothers: Gary, Ronald, Larry, Kenneth, Dennis, Billy, Bobby, Don, Doug, Gerry, Glenn, Jerry, Jimmy, Johnny, Bart, Chuck, Denny, Dick, Dickie, Mickey, Nickey, Stan, Lary, Daryel, Gery, Biff, Boby, Ranny, Jarry
Names like Nancy
Names whose popularity has moved with Nancy's over the last 50 years.
