Agnes facts for kids

The name Agnes is a female given name that comes from the Greek word hagne, which means "pure" or "holy." This name became very popular because of Saint Agnes of Rome, who was a well-known saint. For almost 400 years, Agnes was one of the top three most popular girl's names in English-speaking countries. It was used a lot in the United States until the 1970s. Between 1900 and 1920, it was especially popular, even making it into the top 50 names for girls for several years. The name Agnes was also used for a very strong hurricane in 1972. After that, the name was "retired," meaning it won't be used again for future hurricanes.

Famous People Named Agnes

Many important people throughout history have been named Agnes.

Important Saints Named Agnes

• Saint Agnes of Rome (291–304): She was a Catholic martyr, meaning she died for her beliefs.
• Agnes of Assisi (1197/98–1253): She was one of the first leaders, called abbesses, of the Order of Poor Ladies, a group of nuns.
• Agnes of Bohemia (1211–1282): She was a princess from Bohemia (a region in today's Czech Republic).
• Agnes of Montepulciano (1263–1317): She was a prioress, a leader in the Dominican order of nuns.

Other Notable People Named Agnes

• Agnes Ayres: An American silent film star who appeared in many movies when films had no sound.
• Agnes Baden-Powell: She helped start the Girl Guides movement, which is similar to Girl Scouts.
• Agnes Macdonald (1836-1920): She was the second wife of Sir John A. Macdonald, who was the very first Prime Minister of Canada.
• Agnes Macphail: She made history as the first woman to become a senator in Canada.
• Agnès Maltais (born 1956): A politician from Quebec, Canada.
• Agnes Moorehead: A famous American actress known for her roles in movies and TV shows.
• Agnes Le Thi Thanh: One of the Vietnamese Martyrs, who were people who died for their Christian faith in Vietnam.

Places Around the World Called Agnes

The name Agnes is also used for different places.

• Agnes, Victoria: A town located in Australia.
• Agnes Township, Grand Forks County, North Dakota: A township in the United States.
• Agness, Oregon: A community in the United States.

Agnes in Music and Nature

• Agnes: This is the name of a Christian rock band.
• Hurricane Agnes: A powerful hurricane that hit in 1972.

See Also

• Agnieszka