Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Tracey

Tracey, like Tracy, is the transferred use of an English surname derived from a place name borrowed from the Norman French. Originally a Norman baronial name, Trac(e)y was used in reference to the “domain belonging to Thracius” (from the classical Roman-Gallo personal name Thracius meaning “of Thracia”). Thracia was an ancient province of the Roman Empire located in present day southeastern Europe now divided between Greece and Turkey.  The Thracian tribes persisted for many centuries B.C. and were mentioned in Homer’s Iliad as allies of the Trojans against the Greeks in the epic Trojan War (in other words, we’re talking an ancient group of people!). There are two theories as to the origin of the term Tracians. One is from Thrax (Ancient Greek: Θρᾷξ) one of the reputed sons of Ares, the Greek war god. The other is from Thrace (Ancient Greek: Θρᾴκη), the heroic daughter of Oceanus and sister of Europa. In this case, the name is derived from the Greek thrāssō meaning “to trouble, stir” (apropos, Thrace was also a sorceress).  Aside from the aforementioned origins of this surname-turned-first-name, Tracey may also be considered the transferred use of an Old Irish surname as well – from the Gaelic Ó Treasaigh – meaning "the descendant of the war-like one."  

 

Tracy/Tracey have been around as surnames in England since the Middle Ages, however, it wasn’t until 1837 when Charles Dickens used the name Tracy for one of his central male characters in The Pickwick Papers did the name become more popular as a given name for boys. For females, Tracy was popularized by the 1940 film The Philadelphia Story in which Katherine Hepburn portrays the wealthy socialite character of Tracy Lord. (Please note: for females, Tracy is often considered a diminutive of Theresa). Although Trac(e)y is historically unisex in nature, it is a name now more commonly considered female.

All About the Baby Name – Tracey

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME TRACEY

The number Nine personality represents the completion or ending of the cycle, and a need for perfection. This is the personality that moves from "self" to a greater understanding and compassion for the human condition and the world order. They want to make the world a better place. Nines are capable of great spiritual and humanitarian achievements. They are courageous and fearless, able to fight great battles on behalf of worthy causes. These personalities will not tolerate injustice. They are compassionate people with a strong sensitivity to others. They are able to both educate and inspire. Friendships and relationships are the lifeblood to the Nine, and they place a high value on love and affection. Nines are often exceptionally gifted artistically, and they have a keen imagination and enterprising mind.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME TRACEY

Tracey first appeared on the U.S. female naming charts in 1950 and hit the Top 100 list 15 years later in 1965. Why the meteoric rise in popularity? We think it had something to do with the 1956 film High Society starring Grace Kelly as Tracy Lord (a movie based on The Philadelphia Story). In any case, Tracey and Tracy both saw rapidly increased usage following the film, achieving their best years ever on the charts in the mid-1960s to early-70s. Tracey’s high point came in 1970 at position #55. However, the name’s popularity declined almost as quickly as she one ascended. In fact, 1996 was the last year Tracey claimed a spot on America’s Top 1000 list. In other words, Tracey is not exactly a 21st century favorite. In fact, we can find no evidence of any baby girl being named Tracey in 2012.  

 

Quick Facts

ON TRACEY

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

N/A

PRONUNCIATION:

TRAY-see

SIMPLE MEANING:

from Thracia

Characteristics

OF TRACEY

Multi-talented

Intuitive

Oneness

Idealistic

Philanthropy

Independent

Perfection

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Tracey

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME TRACEY

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME TRACEY

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Tracey


Popular Songs

ON TRACEY

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Tracey


Famous People

NAMED TRACEY

Tracey Gold (actress)
Tracey Ullman (actress)

Children of Famous People

NAMED TRACEY

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Tracey

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME TRACEY

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Tracey