What does Anice mean and where does it come from?
Anice is often viewed as an alternative spelling of Agnes, which has Greek origins meaning 'pure' or 'holy.' It gained usage in medieval Europe and has variations in several languages. Additionally, in some contexts, Anice refers to the aromatic herb, anise, which is used in cooking and traditional
Cultural significance
Anice has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a variant of the name agnes, meaning pure or holy..
Peak popularity
Reached #929 in 1887 — currently #967 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Anice?
Anice works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Anice Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Anice Rose
Floral · soft ending
Anice Mae
Sweet · timeless
Anice Claire
French influence · crisp
Anice Jane
Literary · strong
Anice Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Anice right now?
Holding steady — currently #967 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #967 | 1,233 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #972 | 1,213 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #977 | 1,183 | ▲ up 3841 · +14688% births |
| 1960 | #4818 | 8 | ▼ down 1197 · -27% births |
| 1955 | #3621 | 11 | ▼ down 161 · +10% births |
| 1950 | #3460 | 10 | ▼ down 682 · -9% births |
| 1945 | #2778 | 11 | ▼ down 441 · -15% births |
| 1940 | #2337 | 13 | stable |
| 1935 | #2337 | 13 | ▼ down 5 · -7% births |
| 1930 | #2332 | 14 | ▼ down 22 · -12% births |
| 1925 | #2310 | 16 | ▼ down 827 · -47% births |
| 1920 | #1483 | 30 | ▲ up 276 · +58% births |
| 1915 | #1759 | 19 | ▲ up 232 · +171% births |
| 1910 | #1991 | 7 | ▼ down 527 · -12% births |
| 1905 | #1464 | 8 | — |
The story of Anice
Anice has been a beloved American name for over 139 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1885. With 1,001 total births recorded, Anice remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1153 in 1885 to #967 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Anice in 1887:
Anice by decade
Anice peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 19 | |
| 1890s | 54 | |
| 1900s | 65 | |
| 1910s | 161 | |
| 1920s ★ | 193 | |
| 1930s | 148 | |
| 1940s | 132 | |
| 1950s | 113 | |
| 1960s | 54 | |
| 1970s | 18 | |
| 1980s | 5 | |
| 1990s | 16 | |
| 2000s | 23 | |
💎With 1,001 total births, Anice is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Anice?
What names sound and feel like Anice?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Anice also consider these
Common questions about the name Anice
What does the name Anice mean?
Anice means "A variant of the name Agnes, meaning pure or holy." — a name rooted in English 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 Anice?
Anice is currently ranked #967 as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Anice?
Anice originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
What sibling names go well with Anice?
Anice pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar English heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
Is Anice a common or rare name?
Anice is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.