Nan

The Meaning & Origin of the Name Nan

Nan is an English girl name, which has 3 letters.

Nan is a diminutive of the name Ann or Anne and is derived from the Hebrew name Hannah. It is often used as a pet form of other names such as Nancy or Anna. The name Nan is also thought to mean ‘grace’ or ‘favor’.

Alternate Meaning Gracious

Origin or Current Usage English

Gender F

Rating

Be the first one to vote!

Log in to save this name to your favorites.

Detailed Information About The Name Nan

The name "Nan" is a unisex name with multiple origins and meanings. In Scottish Gaelic, "Nan" is a diminutive form of "Anne" or "Agnes," both of which are derived from the Hebrew name "Hannah," meaning "favor" or "grace." In Chinese, "Nan" is predominantly a masculine name and is commonly used as a given name for boys. It means "south" and is often associated with attributes such as warmth, strength, and prosperity.

As a given name, "Nan" has gained popularity across different cultures and countries. It may sometimes be used as a standalone name or as a nickname for longer names. In Western cultures, it is more commonly used as the latter. "Nan" can be short for names like "Nancy," "Nanette," or "Nanette."

Historically, "Nan" has been used as a term of endearment for grandmothers in some English-speaking countries. This may originate from the word "nana," which means "mother" or "nurse" in various languages. However, it is important to note that the term "Nan" as a name is distinct from this term of endearment.

In modern times, "Nan" is seen as a charming and distinctive name choice. Its simplicity and versatility make it appealing for parents seeking a name that can be easily pronounced and has a global appeal. Whether chosen for its traditional roots or its contemporary sound, "Nan" continues to be a name that stands out while exuding warmth and grace.

Similar English Baby Names

Search Baby Names & Meanings

Search our growing database of baby names to find just the right name for your baby or to find out what your own name means!

Celebrity Baby Names

Celebrity baby names are usually not conventional, but some of them become popular. Here is our growing list of celebrity baby names.

Celebrity Baby Names

Naming Your Baby

Picking a name is one of the most important things you will do for your child, so why not take some time to look through our collection of baby naming resources.

Naming Your Baby

Unusual Baby Names

Unique or unusual baby names are tempting when it is time to name your child; however, you should also be aware of the pitfalls that a unique name might have.

Unusual Baby Names

Biblical Baby Names

Biblical names are some of the most widely used names, and for good reason. The tradition and history behind these names makes them a great choice!

Biblical Baby Names

Types of Baby Names

The baby name collection on this site is constantly evolving, and a good way to browse through our database is selecting the type of name you are interested in.

Types of Baby Names