Nancy
How to say it: NAN-see · /ˈnænsi/
Originally a diminutive of Ann, from Hebrew Hannah meaning 'grace'. Established as an independent name.
Nancy was the 856th most popular girls’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 265 babies (Social Security Administration). Its busiest decade was the 1940s, its births are down about 23% in ten years, and it is projected to slip to #916 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · Insee 2025 data, published July 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among girls’ names, 2025 | #856 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 265 |
| Share of births | 1 in 12,510 |
| Peak decade | 1940s |
| Change over 10 years | −23% |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #916 |
| In France, 2025 | #1,359 among girls’ names, 15 births |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA), Insee (France). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
A defining name of the 1940s, Nancy has thinned out considerably since. Far under its former height, it is likely to keep fading.
What goes with it
Light and breathy with a soft nudge of s, Nancy feels kind and familiar. Judy echoes its midcentury warmth.
Nicknames
- Nan
- Nance
Honouring a Nancy in the family
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Nancy is about under 1 in 200.
Around the world
This spelling is used in Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Hebrew, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish.
In France: #1,359 for girls in 2025.
England and Wales: #78. Ireland: #100.
Famous people named Nancy
- Nancy Pelosi (born 1940)American politician
- Nancy Reagan (1921–2016)First Lady of the United States from 1981 to 1989
- Nancy Ajram (born 1983)Lebanese singer and actress
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
Good to know
- Nancy Drew, teenage amateur sleuth of books, film and TV since 1930
Keep exploring
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