Agnes

Agnes is a given name of Latin origin that entered European usage in late antiquity. It derives from the Latin name Agnes, which in turn is linked to the Greek word hagnos meaning “pure, chaste.” The name has many variant forms across languages, including Agnès in French, Agnese in Italian and Spanish, Ágnes in Hungarian, and Agnete or Agneta in Scandinavian tongues. In English, Agnes was particularly popular in the Middle Ages and has remained in occasional use into the modern era.

Saint Agnes of Rome (c. 291–304) is the most prominent bearer. She was a virgin martyr venerated in Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican traditions. Her feast day is January 21. She is the patron saint of girls, chastity, and engaged couples, and is often depicted with a lamb, a symbol of purity.

Today, the name Agnes remains common in many countries, though usage varies by region. Notable people named Agnes include Agnes Obel (born 1980), Danish singer-songwriter; Agnes Gund (born 1938), American art collector and philanthropist; Agnes Moorehead (1900–1974), American actress; and Agnes Bruckner (born 1985), American actress.

Variations of the name persist in modern calendars and naming trends, reflecting cultural and linguistic diversity. The name continues to appear in literature, film, and media as a simple, classic identity.