Nancy is a popular female given name of French origin. It comes from the French word "Nance", which means "grace". The name Nancy was first used in England during the late Middle Ages, but it did not become widely popular until the 19th century.
The name Nancy gained prominence due to its use in several works of literature and art during this period. One notable example is the novel "Lady Susan" by Jane Austen, in which one of the main characters is named Nancy. Additionally, the ballet "La Fille Mal Gardée" ("The Wayward Daughter"), which premiered in 1862, featured a character named Nancy.
Throughout history, the name Nancy has been associated with several notable individuals. For instance, Nancy Astor was the first woman to sit in the British House of Commons as a Member of Parliament, and Nancy Mitford was a renowned English novelist and biographer. These figures have contributed to the name Nancy being perceived as sophisticated and refined.
In popular culture, the name Nancy has been used in various forms of media, such as the musical "Oliver!" based on Charles Dickens' novel "Oliver Twist", where Nancy is one of the main characters. Additionally, the famous nursery rhyme "The Boy and the Empty Boat" features a character named Nancy.
Overall, the name Nancy has a rich history and has been associated with grace, elegance, and intelligence throughout its existence. It remains a popular choice for parents looking to give their daughter a classic yet distinctive name.
The statistics provided show the annual number of births with the name "Nancy" in the United States from 1880 to 2023. The graph starts with a low number of births, with only 410 girls named Nancy born in 1880. However, the popularity of the name began to increase significantly around the early 1900s, reaching its peak in 1929 with 9,067 births.
The highest numbers of births for the name "Nancy" occurred during the mid-20th century, with a total of over 1 million births from 1950 to 1983. During this period, the name was consistently among the top ten most popular girl names in the United States.
However, like many other names that were popular during this time, "Nancy" has since fallen out of fashion. After the mid-1980s, the number of births with the name began to decline rapidly. By 2023, only 279 girls named Nancy were born in the United States.
Despite its decline in popularity over recent decades, the name "Nancy" still holds historical significance as one of the most popular girl names during the mid-20th century. It remains a classic and timeless choice for parents looking to honor tradition while selecting a meaningful name for their daughter.