Holding steady.
Popularity of Nannie since 1880
Babies named Nannie per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1920, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Nannie's real moment was 1881.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 3,165 |
| 1890s | 3,599 |
| 1900s | 3,391 |
| 1910s | 4,997 |
| 1920s | 5,243 |
| 1930s | 2,740 |
| 1940s | 1,438 |
| 1950s | 640 |
| 1960s | 232 |
| 1970s | 93 |
| 1980s | 16 |
| 1990s | 6 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Nannie was once a familiar presence in American nurseries, with its peak year in 1881, when it ranked among the top 100 names for girls. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1880, the earliest year for which Social Security data is available, and it remained in steady use through the early 20th century. Despite its historical popularity, Nannie has since fallen out of common use, with no recent rankings (latest year 2025) and a one-in-N statistic that reflects its rarity. Its trajectory has been stable in obscurity, a sharp contrast to its 19th-century prominence. The name's top states during its prime are not recorded, but it was likely spread across the Eastern and Southern United States. Today, Nannie carries a vintage charm that appeals to parents seeking a true antique, but it remains a rare choice.
Nannie originated as a diminutive of Ann, itself from the Hebrew Hannah, meaning 'grace' or 'favor.' It was also used as a pet form of Nancy, another diminutive of Ann. In the 19th century, it was a common given name in its own right, especially in the United States, though its usage sharply declined after the early 20th century.
Where Nannie 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Nan
Sibling names for Nannie
Names that share Nannie's style, for a brother or sister.
