Nan is a name of Irish origin and it means "grace". It is derived from the Irish word "nan", which also means "grace".
The name Nan has a rich history in Ireland, with many notable figures bearing this name throughout the centuries. One of the most famous was Nano Nagle, who was born into a wealthy family in Cork in 1718. Despite her privileged background, Nano dedicated herself to educating and caring for the poor and marginalized in Irish society.
She established several schools and a convent in Cork, and became known as the "Lady of the Lantern" because she would carry a lantern when visiting the poor at night to avoid drawing attention to them. Her legacy continues today through the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which she founded.
In Ireland, Nan is often used as a pet name for Anne or Anna. It is also sometimes used as a standalone given name, and can be found in various spellings such as Nann, Nanette, and Nanny.
Overall, Nan is a name that carries a strong sense of grace and compassion, thanks to its Irish origins and the legacy of Nano Nagle. Whether used as a pet name or a standalone given name, it remains a popular choice among parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their daughter.
The name Nan experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years. The highest number of births with this name occurred in 1947, with 255 babies named Nan. However, there were periods where it was hardly used at all - for instance, between 1986 and 2001, there were only 35 births recorded with the name Nan. The total number of births registered as Nan over this period is 10,273.