Nan is a name of Irish origin and it means "grace". It is derived from the Irish word "nan", which also means "grace".
The name Nan has a rich history in Ireland, with many notable figures bearing this name throughout the centuries. One of the most famous was Nano Nagle, who was born into a wealthy family in Cork in 1718. Despite her privileged background, Nano dedicated herself to educating and caring for the poor and marginalized in Irish society.
She established several schools and a convent in Cork, and became known as the "Lady of the Lantern" because she would carry a lantern when visiting the poor at night to avoid drawing attention to them. Her legacy continues today through the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which she founded.
In Ireland, Nan is often used as a pet name for Anne or Anna. It is also sometimes used as a standalone given name, and can be found in various spellings such as Nann, Nanette, and Nanny.
Overall, Nan is a name that carries a strong sense of grace and compassion, thanks to its Irish origins and the legacy of Nano Nagle. Whether used as a pet name or a standalone given name, it remains a popular choice among parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their daughter.
Based on the statistics provided, we can observe that the name Nan experienced varying popularity over the years in the United States.
From 1880 to 1929, there were consistently around 100-150 births per year with the name Nan. However, starting from 1930, there was a significant increase in popularity. The number of births with the name Nan peaked in 1939 with 197 births.
This high level of popularity persisted until the late 1940s and early 1950s, with over 200 births per year from 1946 to 1955. However, starting from the mid-1950s, we can see a steady decline in the popularity of the name Nan.
By the late 1960s and early 1970s, the number of births with the name Nan fell below 30 per year. This downward trend continued throughout the remainder of the century and into the early 2000s, with fewer than 10 births per year from 1985 onwards.
In recent years, the popularity of the name Nan has remained quite low, with only 6 births recorded in 2022. Overall, according to these statistics, the name Nan has seen significant fluctuations in popularity over time in the United States.