The name Nancy originated in the Middle Ages, when it was a medieval diminutive of Annis, a form of the name Agnes, which itself was derived from the Greek name Hagne (Ἁγνή), from the word hagnos (ἁγνός), meaning "chaste". As of the 18th century, Nancy has also been used as a diminutive for the name Ann, from Hebrew name Channah (ַחנָּה ), meaning "favour" or "grace". The name’s popularity fell throughout the 20th century, but began rising again at the turn of the millennium.