Fancy

Fancy is a given name in occasional use in the Anglosphere, derived from the English vocabulary word fancy, which itself is a shortened form of fantasy. The term encompasses meanings such as "like, love, inclination" or "ornamental," often referring to an unusual or novel idea or elaborate ornamentation. Etymologically, it traces back through Middle English fantasie, Norman French, and Latin to Greek φαίνω (phaino), meaning "to show, to appear." In some instances, the name Fancy may also serve as a diminutive of the name Frances. Additionally, Fancy exists as an English surname.

Notable Bearers

Notable contemporary women with the given name Fancy include Fancy Bermudez (born 2002), a Canadian rugby union player; Fancy Cherono (born 2001), a Kenyan track and field athlete; and Fancy Chemutai (born 1995), a Kenyan long-distance runner. Historically, the name appears as a female stage name, such as My Fancy, the stage name of American dancer Mae Rose Bawn (1878–1933). As a male stage name, it is notably used by German singer, songwriter, and record producer Manfred Segieth (born 1946), known professionally as Fancy, as well as Ghanaian afropop and dancehall artist Fancy Gadam (born 1988).