Agnes, of Latin origin, means "pure" or "chaste." It was particularly popular among early Christian martyrs and saints, which contributed to its widespread usage throughout Europe during the Middle Ages. The name Agnes has been associated with several notable figures in history, such as St. Agnes of Rome, a young girl who was martyred in the 4th century for her faith. In literature, it is most famously used in Charles Dickens' novel "David Copperfield," where Aunt Peggotty's full name is Clara Aggiss Peggotty, often referred to simply as "Agnes." Today, Agnes remains a classic and timeless name choice, loved for its simplicity and historical significance.
The name Agnes experienced a steady increase in popularity during the late 19th to early 20th century, with a significant peak in the years 1920-1927, reaching as high as 19 births in 1921 and 19 births again in 1926. After this period, its popularity gradually declined until the late 1930s to mid-1940s, when it reached a low of 6 births in both 1949 and 1939. Overall, there were 465 babies named Agnes over these years.