National Nancy Day is on July 27, and we plan to celebrate it by treating our friend Nancy to something special. Did you know that the name Nancy developed from that of a virgin martyr, Agnes of Rome, who lived between 291 and 304 A.D.? Nancy is traditionally a feminine name of Hebrew and French origin. Before becoming a given name, Nancy was used as a nickname for Anne, Ann, or Ancy. Nancy means ‘grace’ or ‘favor.’ National Nancy Day was created by National Today to honor everyone named Nancy. Famous people named Nancy include Nancy Reagan (U.S. First Lady), Nancy Sinatra (singer), and Nancy Pelosi (the speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives).
History of National Nancy Day
Nancy, meaning ‘grace’ or ‘favor,’ is a feminine given name whose origin can be traced to the 1200s in medieval England. The name is thought to have been a medieval diminutive of Anne or Ancy. These names were used as a nickname for Annis, a Medieval English form of Agnes. Agnes originated from the Greek name ‘Hagen,’ meaning ‘chaste’ or ‘pure.’
The name Agnes was made famous by Saint Agnes of Rome, a Roman virgin martyr. Agnes was born to a Roman noble family in 291 A.D. and raised as a Christian. As a young girl from a wealthy family, Agnes was courted by many young men of high birth. Angered by her resolution to maintain religious purity, these men reported her to authorities as a follower of Christianity. She was condemned to be dragged naked through the streets to a brothel and deflowered. Miraculously, the Holy Spirit interceded and prevented her rape. Agnes was eventually sentenced to death, stabbed or beheaded with a sword. In 345 A.D., Agnes was venerated as a saint, becoming the patron saint of those seeking chastity and purity, young girls and girls scouts. Like all other early saints, a cult grew around Saint Agnes of Rome, making the name a popular choice for first names.
By the 18th century, Nancy became associated with another name Hannah, meaning ‘grace.’ Around the same period, Nancy rose in popularity in the United States, becoming one of the top 10 girls’ names in the mid-20th century.
National Nancy Day timeline
The Catholic Church venerates Agnes as a saint.
Nancy becomes a nickname for Anne or Ancy, the diminutive names for Annis (the Medieval English version of Agnes).
Nancy becomes a diminutive name for Hannah, meaning ‘grace.’
Nancy becomes a popular first name for girls in the United States.
National Nancy Day FAQs
What is the name Nancy short for?
Nancy was a nickname for Anne, Ann, or Ancy. People started using it as a given name in the early 18th century.
What is the personality of the name Nancy
Nancys are social and cheerful people, always falling into the role of the life of the party. They are also highly creative, optimistic, and can be dramatic.
How popular is the name Nancy?
According to ohbabynames.com, Nancy ranks 689 of the 1,000 most popular female names in the United States.
National Nancy Day Activities
Watch a Nancy movie
Several movies have starred someone bearing the name Nancy or have been produced or directed by a person named Nancy. Some of the popular ones include “Nancy,” “The Parent Trap,” “The Holiday,” and “Blood Sisters.” Check YouTube or your favorite streaming service for these movies, and have a great time watching them.
Celebrate everyone named Nancy on social media
Head to social media and mark National Nancy Day by celebrating all Nancys everywhere. Remember to include the hashtag #NationalNacyDay.
Visit Nancy
No, we don’t mean you should visit a friend or someone named Nancy. We are talking about Nancy city in France. Nancy is one of the most beautiful cities in France and boasts of many tourist attractions, including the UNESCO-listed Place Stanislas, Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nancy, and Ville Vieille. Nancy is definitely the place to spend your summer break.
5 Interesting Facts About The Name Nancy
The first female U.S. speaker
American politician Nancy Pelosi is the first woman ever to become the speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.
A First Lady and movie star
Nancy Reagan, the wife of Ronald Reagan, was a movie star, the First Lady of California, and the First Lady of the United States.
The name of a place
Nancy is the capital of the Duchy of Lorraine, France.
The meaning
Nancy means ‘grace’ or ‘favor.’
A fictional character
Nancy Drew, a fictional character in a mystery book series of teenage amateur sleuths, is the most famous non-living person named Nancy.
Why We Love National Nancy Day
It’s a day to celebrate all Nancys
National Nancy Day was introduced by National Today as a special day for everyone bearing the name Nancy. It’s a time to honor them, appreciate their awesomeness, and ensure they have the best fun — it’s almost like a second birthday.
Nancys are trailblazers
Women such as Nancy Reagan and Nancy Pelosi have set a standard and made so much impact in their positions that they have become role models for future generations. As First Lady of the United States, Nancy Reagan championed several causes, including the “just say no” campaign that birthed over 12,000 “just say no” clubs in the United States. As a politician, Nancy Pelosi became the first-ever female speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.
It’s the name of a beautiful city
Aside from being a given name, Nancy is also the name of the capital of the Duchy of Lorraine. Nancy is a center of culture and arts, home to UNESCO Heritage sites, and widely known for its magnificent 18th-century architecture.
National Nancy Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | July 27 | Saturday |
| 2025 | July 27 | Sunday |
| 2026 | July 27 | Monday |
| 2027 | July 27 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | July 27 | Thursday |
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