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Fanny Meaning Name

Introduction

Choosing a name for your child is an important decision. The name you choose will be with them for the rest of their life, so it's important to choose a name that has meaning and significance. One name that has a rich history and meaning is Fanny. In this article, we will explore the origin, popularity, famous people and literary characters associated with the name Fanny.

Origin and Meaning of the Name Fanny

The name Fanny is of French origin and is a diminutive of the name Frances. Frances is derived from the Latin name Franciscus, which means 'Frenchman' or 'free man'. The name Fanny was popularized in the 18th century and was often used as a nickname for Frances or Francine. In the United States, Fanny was a popular name in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but its popularity has since declined.

Popularity of the Name Fanny

The name Fanny was a popular name in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the United States. In 1880, Fanny was the 22nd most popular name for girls. Its popularity peaked in 1901 when it was the 8th most popular name for girls. However, its popularity has since declined and it is now a relatively uncommon name.

Famous People with the Name Fanny

There have been several famous people throughout history with the name Fanny. One of the most notable is Fanny Mendelssohn, a German composer and pianist who lived in the 19th century. She was the sister of the famous composer Felix Mendelssohn and was a talented musician in her own right. Another famous Fanny is Fanny Brice, an American actress and comedian who was popular in the early 20th century. She was known for her comedic performances and was a star of the Ziegfeld Follies. Other famous people with the name Fanny include Fanny Crosby, an American hymn writer, and Fanny Burney, an English novelist and diarist.

Literary Characters Named Fanny

There have been several literary characters throughout history named Fanny. One of the most famous is Fanny Price, the protagonist of Jane Austen's novel 'Mansfield Park'. Fanny Price is a shy and reserved young woman who is sent to live with her wealthy relatives at Mansfield Park. Another famous literary character named Fanny is Fanny Robin, a minor character in Thomas Hardy's novel 'Far from the Madding Crowd'. Fanny Robin is a young woman who is abandoned by her lover and dies in poverty. Other literary characters named Fanny include Fanny Dashwood from Jane Austen's 'Sense and Sensibility' and Fanny Hill from John Cleland's novel 'Fanny Hill: Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure'.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the name Fanny has a rich history and meaning. It is of French origin and is a diminutive of the name Frances. Fanny was a popular name in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the United States, but its popularity has since declined. There have been several famous people throughout history with the name Fanny, including Fanny Mendelssohn and Fanny Brice. There have also been several literary characters named Fanny, including Fanny Price from Jane Austen's 'Mansfield Park'. If you are considering the name Fanny for your child, it is a name with a rich history and meaning that is sure to stand out.