Lacey Unisex
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
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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)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
TX | 24 | |
CA | 20 | |
NC | 20 | |
PA | 19 | |
VA | 18 | |
FL | 18 | |
OH | 17 | |
MO | 15 | |
TN | 15 | |
NY | 14 | |
UT | 13 | |
IN | 11 | |
KY | 11 | |
WA | 10 | |
WI | 10 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1888 | 5 |
1903 | 6 |
1915 | 8 |
1916 | 7 |
1917 | 8 |
1921 | 7 |
1922 | 7 |
1924 | 7 |
1925 | 8 |
1926 | 5 |
1930 | 5 |
1933 | 6 |
1936 | 5 |
1939 | 6 |
1940 | 6 |
1941 | 5 |
1942 | 7 |
1943 | 6 |
1944 | 10 |
1945 | 7 |
1946 | 6 |
1947 | 13 |
1948 | 8 |
1949 | 12 |
1950 | 7 |
1951 | 6 |
1952 | 10 |
1953 | 16 |
1954 | 19 |
1955 | 16 |
1956 | 12 |
1957 | 23 |
1958 | 18 |
1959 | 18 |
1960 | 19 |
1961 | 28 |
1962 | 55 |
1963 | 34 |
1964 | 25 |
1965 | 32 |
1966 | 27 |
1967 | 31 |
1968 | 55 |
1969 | 65 |
1970 | 89 |
1971 | 70 |
1972 | 70 |
1973 | 94 |
1974 | 83 |
1975 | 294 |
1976 | 242 |
1977 | 304 |
1978 | 788 |
1979 | 789 |
1980 | 897 |
1981 | 1,369 |
1982 | 2,382 |
1983 | 2,383 |
1984 | 2,399 |
1985 | 2,359 |
1986 | 2,266 |
1987 | 2,399 |
1988 | 2,243 |
1989 | 2,076 |
1990 | 2,047 |
1991 | 2,071 |
1992 | 1,754 |
1993 | 1,522 |
1994 | 1,398 |
1995 | 1,210 |
1996 | 1,053 |
1997 | 989 |
1998 | 941 |
1999 | 867 |
2000 | 793 |
2001 | 693 |
2002 | 602 |
2003 | 812 |
2004 | 714 |
2005 | 696 |
2006 | 712 |
2007 | 839 |
2008 | 795 |
2009 | 740 |
2010 | 705 |
2011 | 708 |
2012 | 623 |
2013 | 658 |
2014 | 654 |
2015 | 675 |
2016 | 638 |
2017 | 502 |
2018 | 457 |
2019 | 446 |
2020 | 394 |
2021 | 346 |
2022 | 317 |
2023 | 370 |
2024 | 376 |