Meaning & History
Lacey is a feminine given name of English origin, derived from the surname Lacy. This spelling is the most popular variant in contemporary usage.
Etymology and History
The surname Lacey originates from Lassy, a town in Normandy, France. The town's name is of Gaulish origin, possibly derived from a personal name Latinized as Lascius. The name was brought to England after the Norman Conquest of 1066 by Norman settlers. Historically, the surname was more common as a masculine given name but began increasing in popularity for girls around 1975.
Usage and Popularity
Lacey is now predominantly used as a female given name in English-speaking countries, though it remains unisex. Alternative spellings include Lacy, Laci, and Lacie. The Lacey spelling has overtaken others in popularity, particularly in the United States.
Geographical Distribution
The name extends beyond personal names to place names, including Lacey Township in Ocean County, New Jersey, and Lacey City in Thurston County, Washington (formerly known as Woodland).
- Meaning: Derived from surname of Norman origin, from place name Lassy
- Origin: English, from Norman French and Gaulish
- Type: Given name (unisex, now mostly feminine)
- Usage regions: English-speaking countries (especially UK, USA, Canada, Australia)
Related Names
Sources: Wiktionary — Lacey