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Lacey Unisex

Popularity: #592 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationLAY-see / /ˈleɪ.si/

English; French

Meaning

English: cheerful; French: from Lacey

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Lacey has its roots in the Old French surname "Lacée," which derives from the place name "L'Aigle," meaning "the lace" or "the laced one." This term is thought to have originated from the Latin word "lacinia," meaning "a fringe" or "a border," which reflects a connection to lacework and ornamental fabrics. The surname entered the English language after the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century, as many French names were adopted into English society. Over time, Lacey transitioned from a surname to a given name, particularly in the 19th century, as was common with many surnames during that period.

Historically, the name Lacey has been associated with various notable figures, including individuals in the English nobility. One significant milestone is the use of the name in the context of the English aristocracy, where it was borne by members of the Lacy family, who were prominent in medieval England. The Lacy family held lands in England and Wales, and their lineage can be traced back to the 12th century. Additionally, the name appears in various historical texts and records, reflecting its enduring presence in English culture.

Culturally, Lacey has come to symbolize elegance and refinement, likely due to its association with lace, which has historically been viewed as a luxurious material. The name evokes images of delicacy and beauty, resonating with traditional values of femininity. Diminutive forms such as Lacy or Lacey have emerged, further enhancing its appeal. Overall, the name Lacey carries a rich historical and cultural significance, rooted in its etymological origins and its association with nobility and elegance.

Trend Summary

Lacey has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, peaking in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Lacy

International Variants

Famous people named Lacey

Lacey Chabert is an actress best known for Mean Girls, Party of Five, and The Wild Thornberrys.

Lacey Turner is an actress best known for EastEnders, Our Girl, and Bedlam.

Fictional characters named Lacey

Lacey is a fictional character from the TV series The L Word. She is a recurring character who becomes involved in the lives of the main cast, exploring themes of love and identity.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Lacey was first seen in the United States in 1888. Lacey has ranked as high as #228 nationally, which occurred in 1984, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Ohio, Florida, and Pennsylvania. In the past 5 years the name Lacey has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Lacey (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 24
8%
CA 20
6%
NC 20
6%
PA 19
6%
VA 18
6%
FL 18
6%
OH 17
5%
MO 15
5%
TN 15
5%
NY 14
4%
UT 13
4%
IN 11
3%
KY 11
3%
WA 10
3%
WI 10
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18885
19036
19158
19167
19178
19217
19227
19247
19258
19265
19305
19336
19365
19396
19406
19415
19427
19436
194410
19457
19466
194713
19488
194912
19507
19516
195210
195316
195419
195516
195612
195723
195818
195918
196019
196128
196255
196334
196425
196532
196627
196731
196855
196965
197089
197170
197270
197394
197483
1975294
1976242
1977304
1978788
1979789
1980897
19811,369
19822,382
19832,383
19842,399
19852,359
19862,266
19872,399
19882,243
19892,076
19902,047
19912,071
19921,754
19931,522
19941,398
19951,210
19961,053
1997989
1998941
1999867
2000793
2001693
2002602
2003812
2004714
2005696
2006712
2007839
2008795
2009740
2010705
2011708
2012623
2013658
2014654
2015675
2016638
2017502
2018457
2019446
2020394
2021346
2022317
2023370
2024376