What Does the Name Agnes Mean?
Agnes is a girl's name of Greek origin meaning “chaste, holy.”
Updated June 2026
| Name | Agnes |
|---|---|
| Gender | female |
| Origin | Greek |
| Meaning | chaste, holy |
| Variants | Agnese, Inez, Ines, Annis, Agneta |
| Popularity | Once one of the most common English female names; now rare but seeing modest vintage interest. |
The meaning and origin of Agnes
The name Agnes means “chaste, holy” and has Greek origins. From the Greek 'hagnos' meaning 'chaste' or 'holy,' the name was borne by a young 4th-century Roman martyr, Saint Agnes. Its form was early associated with the Latin 'agnus' (lamb), reinforcing its symbolism.
Variants and related names
Agnes is related to several other names you may recognize: Agnese, Inez, Ines, Annis, Agneta. These share a common root or are spelling and language variants of the same name.
How popular is the name Agnes?
Once one of the most common English female names; now rare but seeing modest vintage interest.
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Open the name generator →Frequently asked questions
What does the name Agnes mean?+
The name Agnes means “chaste, holy” and is of Greek origin.
What is the origin of the name Agnes?+
Agnes originates from Greek.
Is Agnes a popular name?+
Yes — see the popularity note above for how Agnes has trended in the US over time.
Agnes by gender
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Sources
- Behind the Name — Etymology and history of first names — Behind the Name
- US Social Security Administration — Popular baby names by year — Social Security Administration
- A Dictionary of First Names — Oxford Reference — Oxford University Press