Agnes is a feminine given name of Latin origin. It comes from the Latin word "agnus," which means "lamb." The name Agnes was popular among early Christians due to its association with innocence and purity, as represented by the lamb in religious symbolism.
The name Agnes has been used throughout history, particularly in the Middle Ages. Saint Agnes was a martyr in the 3rd century who is revered in Christianity. She was known for her chastity and virtue, and her feast day is celebrated on January 21st. Many churches are named after her, and her name has been bestowed upon numerous individuals throughout history.
Agnes has also been used as a given name in various cultures around the world. In England, Agnes was a popular name during the Middle Ages, often used to honor Saint Agnes or simply due to its association with innocence and purity. In Scotland, Agnes was often shortened to "Ness" or "Neil," resulting in names like Nessie or Neil.
Today, Agnes is still used as a given name but is less common than it once was. However, it remains a timeless name with a rich history and meaningful origin. It can serve as a unique and memorable choice for parents seeking a distinctive name for their daughter.
The name Agnes has seen a varied pattern of usage over the years in the United States. The earliest recorded births for this name occurred in the late 1800s, with the first notable peak being between 1912 and 1919, during which time there were consistently high numbers of births each year.
From 1923 to 1935, there was another significant increase in the popularity of the name Agnes, reaching a high of 38 births in 1923. However, after this period, its usage began to decline and remained relatively low until the mid-20th century.
Interestingly, there was a slight resurgence in the use of the name Agnes in recent years, with five recorded births each in 1955 and 2014. This shows that while the name may not have been as popular recently as it once was, it has still maintained some level of usage over time.
Overall, the name Agnes has had a total of 747 births recorded in the United States since 1885, demonstrating its enduring presence throughout history. Despite fluctuations in popularity, this name continues to be chosen by parents for their daughters, perhaps due to its classic and timeless appeal.