Ancil is an uncommon, yet distinctive given name of Latin origin. It is derived from the Roman family name Ancilla, which translates to 'female slave' or more positively, 'attendant'. While the name is predominantly found in English-speaking countries like Australia and the United States, its usage is quite rare, contributing to its unique charm.
The name Ancil has seen varied popularity over the years, with notable peaks during World War I and II, and a significant decline post-1945. From 1888 to 1924, there were consistent fluctuations in births, ranging from 5 to 35 per year. However, from 1925 onwards, the name's popularity significantly decreased, with most years having fewer than 20 births and many having fewer than 10. The total number of births recorded over this period is 1099.