Find out how popular the first name Nannie has been for the last 18 years (from 1974 to 1991) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Nannie by gender

Based on the last 18 years of data, Nannie is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1991, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Nannie.

The history of the first name Nannie

Nannie is a feminine given name derived from the Hebrew name Hannah, which means "grace" or "favor." The name Nannie has its roots in the ancient Middle Eastern region and can be traced back to biblical times.

In the Old Testament, Hannah was the mother of the prophet Samuel and is revered as a woman of great faith and devotion. Her name became popular among early Christians, who adopted it as a symbol of motherhood and piety.

The name Nannie emerged as a diminutive or pet form of the name Hannah, particularly in English-speaking countries. It gained popularity during the Middle Ages and was commonly used as a familiar or affectionate form of address for older women or grandmothers.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Nannie can be found in the writings of the 16th-century English poet and playwright William Shakespeare. In his play "The Merry Wives of Windsor," a character named Mistress Quickly is referred to as "Nannie" by her acquaintances.

Throughout history, several notable women have borne the name Nannie. One such figure was Nannie Helen Burroughs (1879-1961), an influential African American educator, orator, and activist. She founded the National Trade and Professional School for Women and Girls in Washington, D.C., and played a pivotal role in the struggle for civil rights and women's empowerment.

Another prominent Nannie was Nannie Doss (1905-1965), an American serial killer known as the "Lonesome Widow" or the "Giggling Granny." She confessed to killing four of her five husbands, as well as her mother, a grandson, and a mother-in-law, earning her a place in infamy as one of the most prolific female serial killers in United States history.

In the realm of literature, Nannie Haskins (1865-1957) was an American poet and author best known for her poem "The Untrodden Way," which celebrates the courage to forge one's own path in life.

Additionally, Nannie Maude McKinney (1862-1934) was an American educator and activist who played a significant role in promoting education for African American children in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

While the name Nannie may have fallen out of favor in more recent times, its rich history and associations with strength, resilience, and maternal love have left an indelible mark on the tapestry of human experience.

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 Nannie was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!