What does Agnes mean and where does it come from?
Agnes has roots in ancient Greece, and its meaning reflects purity and holiness. The name saw significant usage in the early Christian community due to St. Agnes, a martyr in Roman times. It has been moderately popular in various forms across centuries and cultures. Notable figures include Agnes Moo
Cultural significance
Agnes has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greek-speaking communities, where it reflects values of pure, holy.
Peak popularity
Reached #37 in 1899 — currently #1079 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greek-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Agnes?
Agnes works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Agnes Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Agnes Rose
Floral · soft ending
Agnes Mae
Sweet · timeless
Agnes Claire
French influence · crisp
Agnes Jane
Literary · strong
Agnes Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Agnes right now?
Rising — up 14 spots — currently #1079 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1079 | 229 | ▲ up 14 |
| 2022 | #1093 | 228 | ▲ up 48 · +6% births |
| 2021 | #1141 | 215 | ▲ up 99 · +18% births |
| 2020 | #1240 | 182 | ▲ up 35 · -4% births |
| 2015 | #1275 | 190 | ▲ up 1391 · +184% births |
| 2010 | #2666 | 67 | ▲ up 118 · +14% births |
| 2005 | #2784 | 59 | ▼ down 506 · -13% births |
| 2000 | #2278 | 68 | ▼ down 91 · +11% births |
| 1995 | #2187 | 61 | ▼ down 325 · -20% births |
| 1990 | #1862 | 76 | ▼ down 152 · +13% births |
| 1985 | #1710 | 67 | ▼ down 182 · -13% births |
| 1980 | #1528 | 77 | ▼ down 249 · -11% births |
| 1975 | #1279 | 87 | ▼ down 255 · -28% births |
| 1970 | #1024 | 120 | ▼ down 427 · -54% births |
| 1965 | #597 | 259 | — |
The story of Agnes
Agnes has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #37 in 1899. More than 158,821 babies have been named Agnes since 1880. Once ranked #54 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1079 in 2023. Agnes is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Agnes in 1899:
Agnes by decade
Agnes peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 7,242 | |
| 1890s | 14,468 | |
| 1900s | 17,695 | |
| 1910s | 39,355 | |
| 1920s ★ | 39,363 | |
| 1930s | 18,109 | |
| 1940s | 9,542 | |
| 1950s | 5,604 | |
| 1960s | 2,714 | |
| 1970s | 914 | |
| 1980s | 744 | |
| 1990s | 624 | |
| 2000s | 634 | |
| 2010s | 1,631 | |
| 2020s | 182 | |
What are good nicknames for Agnes?
Famous people named Agnes
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Agnes (Greek poet or artist)
Agnes helped establish this as a name of cultural and artistic prestige in the Hellenic world.
A(
Agnes (ancient philosopher)
Agnes bore this name in classical Greece, where it was associated with wisdom and learning.
A(
Agnes (modern Greek athlete)
Agnes brought this name to international sporting recognition representing Greece.
A(
Agnes (ancient philosopher)
Agnes bore this name in classical Greece, where it was associated with wisdom and learning.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Agnes?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Agnes also consider these
How is Agnes written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Agnes
What does the name Agnes mean?
Agnes means "Pure, Holy" — a name rooted in Greek tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Agnes?
Agnes is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Agnes have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Agnes?
Agnes originates from Greek tradition. Greek names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Agnes?
Agnes is a two-syllable name pronounced AE1 G N IH0 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Agnes trending right now?
Agnes is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.