Agnes is a feminine given name of Latin origin, derived from the word "agnus," which means "lamb." The name Agnes has been associated with purity, innocence, and gentleness throughout history, reflecting the characteristics of a lamb.
The name Agnes has been popular in many cultures throughout the centuries. In ancient Rome, it was commonly given to girls born around the time of the year's first lambs. In medieval Europe, Saint Agnes (also known as Saint Anne) was revered for her virtue and courage, and many girls were named after her.
Agnes has also been a popular name in England since the Middle Ages. In fact, there are several historical figures named Agnes who have contributed to English history, such as Agnes of Huntingdon, a 12th-century noblewoman who played an important role in the politics of her time.
In literature, Agnes has been used by many authors throughout the centuries. For example, Charlotte Brontë's novel "Agnes Grey" tells the story of a young governess, while Edgar Allan Poe wrote a poem titled "Annabel Lee," where the character Annabel is associated with the name Agnes.
Today, Agnes remains a popular name in many countries around the world, including France, Italy, Spain, and the United States. Its classic sound and timeless meaning continue to make it an appealing choice for parents looking for a feminine name with deep historical roots.
The name Agnes has a rich history of popularity in the United States, as evidenced by the provided statistics on its usage over time. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Agnes was consistently one of the top 20 names for newborn girls each year, with peaks in popularity between 1890 and 1915.
During this period, Agnes was a highly popular choice among parents, reaching its zenith in 1914 with an impressive total of 3721 births. This figure indicates that approximately one in every 200 girls born that year was named Agnes. Notably, the name maintained high popularity throughout World War I, even as other trends were shifting.
However, after a decade of steady popularity, the use of the name Agnes began to decline gradually but steadily from the late 1920s onwards. By the 1950s and 60s, Agnes had fallen out of favor significantly, with fewer than 300 girls born each year being named Agnes.
In recent years, however, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of Agnes. Between 2008 and 2023, there have been at least 60 births each year where the baby girl was named Agnes. This renewed interest may reflect a desire for unique, classic names that evoke nostalgia or tradition.
Overall, while Agnes has experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over time, its historical usage demonstrates a enduring appeal among parents seeking distinctive and timeless names for their daughters.