Stace is a medieval short form of Eustace. In modern usage, it is typically considered a short form of Stacy or Stacey, often used as a unisex name predominantly in English-speaking countries.EtymologyStace originated as a medieval English diminutive of Eustace, a name of Greek origin with two conflated roots: Eustachius and Eustathius, both formed from Greek elements meaning "good standing" or "fruitful". The spelling overlap is partly due to the patronage of Saint Eustace, a 2nd-century Roman general martyred under Emperor Hadrian. Legend holds that he converted to Christianity after seeing a vision of a cross between the antlers of a stag he was hunting, leading him to become the patron saint of hunters.Historical UsageEustace was common in medieval England, thanks to the saint's cult and, later, Anglo-French influence. By the late Middle Ages, pet forms like Stace emerged as familiar nicknames. Over time, Stace became an independent given name, often associated with Stacy (itself a diminutive of Anastasia or Eustace). By the 20th century, Stace was falling out of common use, though it persists as an occasional surname or rare first name.Notable BearersNotable people with the surname Stace include Arthur Stace (1884–1967), an Australian figure known for writing "Eternity" on Sydney sidewalks with chalk, and Walter Terence Stace (1886–1967), a British philosopher of mysticism. On the given-name side, examples include American musician Stace England and South Dakota politician Stace Nelson.Meaning: Short form of EustaceOrigin: Medieval EnglishType: Unisex given name and surnameUsage Regions: English-speaking countries