Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Agnes
GirlGreek, Latin· “chaste, holy”
- Meaning
- chaste, holy
- Origin
- Greek, Latin
- Pronunciation
- AG-nihs
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,016
- US babies 2025
- 246
- Best rank
- #37 (1899)
- Peak year
- 1918
Meaning and origin of Agnes
Agnes is a Greek and Latin name that means “chaste, holy”.
Agnes comes from the Greek hagnos, meaning chaste or holy, and it was later associated with the Latin agnus, lamb. Saint Agnes of Rome, a young martyr of the early church, made the name popular throughout Europe, and the lamb became her emblem. The name was widely used in the Middle Ages and has had periods of revival since. Agnes feels strong, vintage and quietly distinctive. It offers nicknames such as Aggie, Nessa and Nes, which give it a lighter touch.
Popularity over time
Agnes has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 92 different years. Its best national rank was #37 in 1899, and the most babies received it in 1918, when 5,291 were named Agnes. In 2025, 246 babies were named Agnes, and it ranked #1,016 nationally. That is 29% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #54 in 1920, #286 in 1950, #1,529 in 1980, #2,279 in 2000, #2,672 in 2010, and #1,016 in 2025. Of the 159,517 US girls named Agnes since records began, 25% were born in the 1910s, its biggest decade. The 1920s come next, with 39,222 babies. Since 2010, 2,974 more have been named Agnes.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Elsie, Bertha, Clara, Eva, and Pearl.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Agnes ranked highest in Kansas, Nebraska, and Oregon.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Agnes is usually pronounced AG-nihs, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with A and ends in “-es”.
Middle names for Agnes
A few middle names that flow with Agnes: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Agnes
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Lists that include Agnes
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Agnes mean?
Agnes is a Greek and Latin name that means “chaste, holy”.
What is the origin of the name Agnes?
Agnes has Greek and Latin roots. Agnes comes from the Greek hagnos, meaning chaste or holy, and it was later associated with the Latin agnus, lamb.
Is Agnes a popular name?
Not especially. Agnes ranked #1,016 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Agnes a boy or girl name?
Agnes is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Agnes?
Agnes is usually pronounced AG-nihs. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings