Meaning & History
Stacey is an English feminine given name that emerged as a variant of Stacy. The name has a layered history, originating as a unisex and later feminine form derived from medieval diminutives of older names.
Etymology
The name Stacey, and its variant Stacey, trace back to the surname Stacy, which itself comes from the medieval given name Stace, a diminutive of Eustace. Eustace is of Greek origin, meaning “fruitful” or “good harvest.” The surname first appeared in England after the Norman Conquest. In the 20th century, the surname began to be used as a first name, first for boys and later for girls. By the 1970s, Stacey had become especially popular as a female name in the United States, partly influenced by its similarity to the Greek name Anastasia (“resurrection”), though the two were originally unrelated.
Notable Bearers
Prominent individuals named Stacey include actress Stacey Dash (born 1967), known for her role in the film Clueless, and Stacey Solomon (born 1989), an English singer and television personality. In politics, Stacey Abrams (born 1973) is an American activist and former Georgia state representative who gained national attention for her gubernatorial campaigns.
Cultural Significance
Stacey entered common usage during the baby boom and peaked in popularity in the U.S. in the 1970s. Its variant spellings—such as Staci, Stacie, and Stacy—reflect the flexibility of contemporary naming practices. The name has been used in numerous film and television characters, further embedding it in popular culture.
- Meaning: Variant of Stacy, derived from Eustace or Anastasia
- Origin: English, from medieval nickname
- Type: Female given name (originally unisex)
- Usage: Primarily English-speaking countries