Jacy is a unique and uncommon female given name of French origin. It is derived from the French surname "Jacques," which is itself derived from the Latin name "Jacobus." The name Jacobus means "supplanter" or "held by the heel," and it refers to the biblical figure Jacob, who was born grasping his twin brother Esau's heel.
The name Jacy first appeared as a given name in France during the 20th century. It is believed that the name was created as a female diminutive form of Jacques, similar to other French feminine forms such as Jackie or Jacquette.
Despite its French origins, Jacy has gained some popularity beyond France. In the United States, for example, it has been used occasionally since the mid-20th century, though it remains relatively rare. According to data from the Social Security Administration, only a handful of girls have been named Jacy each year since the 1950s.
In terms of its meaning and history, Jacy carries with it the same significance as the name Jacques, namely that of supplanting or holding by the heel. It does not appear to have any specific associations with particular holidays or celebrations, nor are there any notable historical figures named Jacy.
Overall, Jacy is a distinctive and unique female given name with French roots and biblical origins. While it may not be as widely used as some other names, its rarity can make it an appealing choice for parents looking for something different for their daughter.
The name Jacy has seen a varied trend in popularity over the years in the United States. In the early 1960s, there were around 13 births per year with this name, but by the late 1960s and early 1970s, that number had decreased significantly to just 5 births per year.
However, starting from 1972, we see a significant increase in popularity for the name Jacy. The number of births per year began to rise steadily, reaching 83 births by 1990. This trend continued into the early 2000s with peaks of over 140 births in some years.
Interestingly, after around 2005, there was a noticeable decline in the popularity of the name Jacy, with fewer than 100 births per year on average between 2005 and 2019. Nevertheless, even during these later years, the name Jacy remained relatively popular among new parents.
As of 2023, there have been a total of 3383 babies born in the United States with the name Jacy over the past 62 years. This statistic demonstrates that while the popularity of the name has waxed and waned over time, it has consistently remained among the choices for new parents during this period.
This data can be used to provide insights into naming trends and preferences across different decades in the United States. It's fascinating to observe how parental choices can shift and evolve over time, contributing to the rich tapestry of names in each generation.