Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Inez
GirlSpanish, Greek· “Spanish form of Agnes, pure”
- Meaning
- Spanish form of Agnes, pure
- Origin
- Spanish, Greek
- Pronunciation
- eye-NEHZ
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,400
- US babies 2025
- 156
- Best rank
- #96 (1909)
- Peak year
- 1920
Meaning and origin of Inez
Inez is a Spanish and Greek name that means “Spanish form of Agnes, pure”.
Inez is the English spelling of the Spanish Inés, a form of Agnes, from the Greek hagne, meaning pure or holy. Saint Agnes of Rome, an early martyr, is widely venerated in Christian tradition. Inez was used in the US in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, giving it a vintage charm today. It is pronounced eye-NEHZ, though ee-NEHZ, closer to the Spanish, is also heard. Ines and Ynez are related spellings, and Nessa or Ina could serve as nicknames. It is a compact classic with a Spanish flavor.
Popularity over time
Inez 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 93 different years. Its best national rank was #96 in 1909, and the most babies received it in 1920, when 2,107 were named Inez. In 2025, 156 babies were named Inez, and it ranked #1,400 nationally. That is 152% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #122 in 1920, #429 in 1950, #1,144 in 1980, #2,246 in 2000, #3,481 in 2010, and #1,400 in 2025. Of the 68,353 US girls named Inez since records began, 26% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1910s come next, with 16,342 babies. Since 2010, 1,450 more have been named Inez.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Hilda, Dora, Alberta, Eunice, and Harriet.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Inez ranked highest in Arizona, California, and Washington.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | #650 | 10 |
| California | #862 | 34 |
| Washington | #1126 | 5 |
| Pennsylvania | #1156 | 7 |
| Texas | #1492 | 16 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 98% of US babies named Inez over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Inez is usually pronounced eye-NEHZ, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with I and ends in “-ez”.
Middle names for Inez
A few middle names that flow with Inez: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Inez
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Lists that include Inez
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Inez mean?
Inez is a Spanish and Greek name that means “Spanish form of Agnes, pure”.
What is the origin of the name Inez?
Inez has Spanish and Greek roots. Inez is the English spelling of the Spanish Inés, a form of Agnes, from the Greek hagne, meaning pure or holy.
Is Inez a popular name?
Not especially. Inez ranked #1,400 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Inez a boy or girl name?
Inez is mainly a girl's name. About 98% of US babies named Inez over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Inez?
Inez is usually pronounced eye-NEHZ. 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