Find out how popular the first name Agnes has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Agnes by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Agnes is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 229 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Agnes.

The history of the first name Agnes

The name Agnes is derived from the Greek word "hagnos" meaning "pure" or "sacred". It has its roots in ancient Greece, where it was used to refer to virtuous or chaste women.

Agnes became a popular name among early Christians, particularly in Rome. It is believed that the name gained widespread recognition after the martyrdom of St. Agnes, a young Roman girl who was executed for her Christian faith in the early 4th century.

The name Agnes first appeared in written records during the 4th century AD, when it was mentioned in the ancient Roman martyrologies. These early Christian texts recounted the life and martyrdom of St. Agnes, who is revered as a patron saint of young girls and virgins.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Agnes was Agnes of Rome, a Roman virgin and martyr who lived in the late 3rd and early 4th centuries. She is celebrated as a saint in the Catholic Church and is commemorated on January 21st.

Throughout the Middle Ages, the name Agnes became increasingly popular across Europe, particularly in regions with strong Christian traditions. Notable individuals with the name include Agnes of Poitiers (1025-1077), a French noblewoman and regent of the Duchy of Aquitaine, and Agnes of Merania (c. 1180-1201), a Queen consort of France.

During the Renaissance period, the name Agnes continued to be widely used. One of the most famous individuals with this name was Agnes Sorel (1422-1450), a French courtier and the chief mistress of King Charles VII of France.

In the 17th century, Agnes Sampson (c. 1590-1591) was a Scottish woman accused of witchcraft and executed during the North Berwick Witch Trials. Meanwhile, in the 18th century, Agnes Strickland (1796-1874) was an English historical writer and a prominent author of biographies of medieval queens.

The name Agnes has had a lasting legacy, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries. It has been used across various cultures, from European nations to regions as far as Asia and Africa, reflecting its enduring popularity as a name associated with purity and virtue.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Agnes was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Agnes, please contact us.

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