AboutCarol Pozefsky Expertise Etymology: The origins of English words and phrases.
Anchor/Reporter NBC and CBS Networks. News Director 3 Regional Radio Stations.
Question I've heard that the name Nancy, in addition to being a nickname for Ann/Anne, may also be a nickname for Agnes/Annice (particularly in Scottish usage). I'm very interested in finding a print source that could tell me if this is more than speculation. Any ideas where I can look? Thank you!
Answer Hello and thank you for your question,
Here is what I find in Andrian Room's superb book, Brewer's names:
1. The name Nancy came to be adopted as a diminutive of Ann, but may have originally evolved from a medieval form of Agnes.
2. Nancy, the city in northeast France had the Medieval Latin name of Nanceiacum or Nantiacum. This derives from the Gaulish personal name Nantio, with the Latin suffix 'acum, meaning 'place'.
So, yes , Nancy is a nickname for Agnes and I hope this was helpful.
The best to you always, Carol P.
