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Darcy Unisex

Popularity: #689 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationDAR-see / /ˈdɑːr.si/

Irish; English

Meaning

Irish: dark; English: from the fortress

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Darcy has its roots in the Old French surname "d'Arcy," which itself originates from the Latin "d'Arcia," derived from the Gaulish place name "Arcia." The name is believed to mean "from the fortress" or "of the stronghold," reflecting its geographical origins. The transition into English occurred after the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century, when many French names were adopted into the English lexicon, particularly among the nobility and landowners. The surname became a given name in the 19th century, gaining popularity as a first name for girls, particularly in English-speaking countries.

Historically, the name Darcy is associated with notable figures, including the 18th-century English novelist Jane Austen's character Fitzwilliam Darcy in her novel "Pride and Prejudice," published in 1813. This character has contributed significantly to the name's cultural resonance, embodying themes of social class, romance, and personal growth. The name has also been borne by various historical figures, including members of the English aristocracy, which has further solidified its association with nobility and refinement.

Culturally, the name Darcy has been embraced in literature and media, often symbolizing elegance and sophistication. The character of Mr. Darcy has become an archetype in romantic literature, influencing portrayals of male protagonists in subsequent works. Additionally, the name has various diminutive forms, such as Darcey or Darcie, which have emerged over time, reflecting the name's adaptability and charm. The enduring appeal of Darcy can be attributed to its historical roots, literary connections, and the positive attributes associated with its bearers.

Trend Summary

The name Darcy has seen a steady rise in popularity for girls in the United States over the past few decades.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Darcie
  • Darcy

International Variants

  • Darcie (English)
  • Darcy (French)

Famous people named Darcy

Darcy Bussell is a retired ballerina best known for her work with The Royal Ballet, her performances in Swan Lake, and her role as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing.

Darcy Oake is a magician and illusionist best known for his performances on Britain's Got Talent, and his work in various international magic shows.

Fictional characters named Darcy

Darcy is a fictional character from the novel Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. She is a wealthy and proud gentleman who undergoes significant personal growth throughout the story.

Darcy is a fictional character from the animated series The Amazing World of Gumball. They are a minor character who often appears in various episodes, contributing to the comedic elements of the show.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Darcy was first seen in the United States in 1917. Darcy has ranked as high as #609 nationally, which occurred in 1970, and has been most popular in California, New York, Michigan, Illinois, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Darcy has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Darcy (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 27
13%
CA 22
10%
TN 21
10%
PA 14
7%
OH 12
6%
VA 10
5%
NC 10
5%
GA 10
5%
AL 10
5%
MO 8
4%
MD 8
4%
FL 7
3%
IN 7
3%
KY 7
3%
LA 7
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19175
19275
19295
193010
19345
19355
19367
19376
194011
194115
194214
194321
194420
194525
194648
194764
194857
194987
1950128
1951194
1952197
1953242
1954296
1955297
1956334
1957290
1958314
1959413
1960481
1961584
1962506
1963524
1964602
1965544
1966505
1967560
1968644
1969639
1970681
1971648
1972522
1973483
1974516
1975473
1976436
1977424
1978392
1979411
1980460
1981390
1982400
1983361
1984374
1985294
1986276
1987204
1988245
1989275
1990257
1991259
1992209
1993215
1994188
1995155
1996151
1997154
1998155
1999145
2000135
2001169
2002145
2003142
2004107
2005120
2006108
2007128
2008158
2009129
2010146
2011144
2012141
2013157
2014184
2015167
2016189
2017183
2018211
2019220
2020195
2021219
2022236
2023248
2024262