Agnese

Agnese is a feminine given name primarily used in Italian-speaking contexts. It is the Italian form of Agnes, which derives from a Latin root that ultimately traces to Greek hagnē meaning “purity” or “holiness.” The name has long-standing religious associations, notably with Saint Agnese (Saint Agnes), a 3rd-century Christian martyr venerated in Western Christianity; her story helped popularize the name in Europe during the Middle Ages.

In modern usage, Agnese is common in Italy and among Italian diaspora communities. The name has international cognates, including Agnes in English, Agnès in French, and other language variants that share the same root. Naming trends have kept Agnese as a traditional, frequently chosen name, reflecting family heritage or cultural identity as well as aesthetic preference.

Saint Agnes’s legacy contributes to the name’s symbolism of purity and devotion, though contemporary bearers may select it for reasons unrelated to religion. The name appears in historical records, literature, and religious calendars, maintaining its presence in Italian culture and beyond.