[1] [2] In some instances it replaced variant Nanny, which was associated with the stereotype of a common, promiscuous woman from the 17th century onward.

[3] Spelling variants in use include Nancea, Nancee, Nancey, Nanci, Nancie, Nancsi, Nancye, Nanncey, Nanncy, Nansee, and Nansi.

[4] Similar names include Nan, Nance, Nanette, Nannerl, and Nannie.

[5] Nancy has been among the 1,000 most popular names for girls in the United States since 1880.

It has since declined in use and was the 941st most popular name for newborn American girls in 2023.