Tracy, of Latin origin, means "to grab or seize." It is a popular unisex name but has historically been more prevalent among females. The name gained prominence in the mid-20th century and peaked in popularity during the 1970s and 1980s, particularly in English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Some notable individuals with this name include American actress Tracy Pollan, known for her role as Ellen Reed on the television series "Family Ties," and Canadian tennis player Tracy Austin, who won the U.S. Open at the age of 16. The name Tracy is often paired with other names such as Lee, Lynn, and Nicole when given to females, while males are more commonly named Tracy after a middle name like Alexander or James. The name Tracy can also be used as a surname, derived from places in England called Tracey or Tracy.
The name Tracy has had a fluctuating popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 61,433 babies given this name since 1880.
In the late 19th century and early 20th century, there were periods where the name was quite popular. For instance, between 1906 and 1919, the number of births with the name Tracy increased steadily from 16 to 83. However, it's worth noting that the overall number of births per year during this time was relatively low compared to later years.
The peak in popularity for the name Tracy occurred between 1954 and 1967, when the number of babies named Tracy ranged from a low of 2655 in 1968 to a high of 5260 in 1963. This period coincides with the baby boom years following World War II.
After this peak, the popularity of the name Tracy began to decline. By the late 1970s and early 1980s, the number of babies named Tracy was around half of what it was in the mid-1960s. This downward trend has continued into recent years, with only 35 births being recorded for the name Tracy in 2022.
Despite this decline in popularity, the name Tracy remains a classic choice that has been popular among parents over different decades and centuries. It's interesting to observe how societal trends and preferences have influenced its popularity over time.