Nancy
Peaked at #6 nationally in 1950, based on real US Social Security Administration birth records.
Girls vs. boys, all-time
Since 1880, Nancy has been recorded >99% of the time for girls and <1% of the time for boys.
Meaning & origin
Nancy began as a diminutive of Ann or Anne, which itself derives from the Hebrew Hannah, meaning "grace" or "favor." It emerged as a pet form in 18th-century England and had become an accepted standalone name by the 19th century, eventually crossing the Atlantic to widespread use in the United States.
Notable people & culture
Nancy Reagan served as First Lady of the United States alongside President Ronald Reagan, while Nancy Pelosi became the first woman to serve as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. Singer Nancy Sinatra, known for "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'," is another notable bearer. The fictional teen detective Nancy Drew also helped cement the name in American pop culture.
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Nancy — Girls (United States)
FallingPeak rank
#6
in 1950
Current rank
#921
in 2024
Years tracked
145
1880–2024
Trend
Falling
Tracked since 1880, Nancy reached its peak popularity for girls in 1950, ranking #6 nationally with 29,617 babies given the name that year.
Over the last 10 years of data, its rank has slipped from #755 (2014) to #921 (2024) — a 18% drop.
As of 2024, Nancy ranks #921 nationally for girls, with 288 babies given the name that year.
Recent years
| Year | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | #921 | 288 |
| 2023 | #942 | 281 |
| 2022 | #993 | 266 |
| 2021 | #946 | 279 |
| 2020 | #897 | 295 |
| 2019 | #895 | 298 |
| 2018 | #833 | 326 |
| 2017 | #872 | 314 |
Nancy — Boys (United States)
FallingPeak rank
#626
in 1938
Last ranked
#12629
in 2004
Years tracked
91
1889–2004
Trend
Falling
Tracked since 1889, Nancy reached its peak popularity for boys in 1938, ranking #626 nationally with 91 babies given the name that year.
Nancy hasn't appeared among the national top ranks for boys since 2004, when it stood at #12629.
Recent years
| Year | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | #12,629 | 5 |
| 2003 | #10,476 | 6 |
| 2001 | #8,076 | 8 |
| 2000 | #9,928 | 6 |
| 1999 | #7,648 | 8 |
| 1998 | #10,791 | 5 |
| 1997 | #8,931 | 6 |
| 1995 | #5,019 | 12 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, National Data, 1880–2024.
Similar trajectory
Other names that peaked around the same era and rose or fell on a comparable curve.
Based on US data — girls' names only.
Common Questions
When was Nancy most popular?
Nancy was most popular in 1950, when it ranked #6 nationally for girls — the highest rank it has reached in this data.
Is Nancy becoming more or less popular?
For girls, it's currently falling; for boys, it's currently falling, based on the last decade of SSA data.
How many babies have been named Nancy?
At least 1,007,116 babies have been recorded with the name Nancy in the US since 1880, according to Social Security Administration birth records.
Looking for more name ideas like Nancy? Try the Baby Name Generator or compare it against other names on the Name Trends hub.