Stacey is a gender-neutral name of English origin that has gained popularity in recent years. It is typically used as a girl's name, but it can also be used for boys. The name Stacey is derived from the Scottish surname "Stewart," which means "strong-willed." However, some sources suggest that Stacey may also be derived from the Latin word "stacium," meaning "place of the deer."
The name Stacey first appeared in Scotland as a surname, but it began to be used as a given name in the late 19th century. It became increasingly popular in the United States during the mid-20th century and reached its peak popularity in the 1980s, when it was among the top 50 most popular girls' names.
Stacey is often associated with the character of Stacey McGill from the American Girl doll series, who was introduced in 1995. This character may have contributed to the name's continued popularity and recognition.
Overall, Stacey is a modern and unique name that carries a strong meaning, whether derived from its Scottish or Latin origins. Its gender-neutral nature makes it an appealing choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their child. Despite its recent popularity, Stacey remains relatively uncommon compared to other names, making it a standout choice for those seeking a name that is both meaningful and distinct.
The name Stacey has seen a varied history of popularity over the years in the United States. Between 1913 and 1945, the number of babies named Stacey annually fluctuated between 6 and 20 births per year. However, starting from 1946, there was a significant increase in the number of babies named Stacey, with 24 births recorded that year.
This trend continued throughout the 1950s and 1960s, with the highest point reached in 1967 when 1,020 babies were named Stacey. This period marked a peak in popularity for the name Stacey, indicating that it was widely embraced by parents during this time.
However, beginning in the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s, the number of births with the name Stacey started to decrease gradually. In 1971, there were still 524 babies named Stacey, but this number dropped significantly to 199 in 1977.
The downward trend continued into the 1980s and 1990s, with fewer than 200 babies being named Stacey each year. The lowest point was reached in 1995, with only 79 births recorded for the name Stacey that year.
Since then, the popularity of the name Stacey has stabilized at a consistently low level. Between 2000 and 2023, there have been fewer than 30 babies named Stacey each year, with an average of about 15 births per year during this period.
Overall, while the name Stacey was once quite popular in the United States, particularly between the 1940s and 1970s, its popularity has declined significantly in recent decades. Despite this decline, it is still a name with some historical significance and continues to be chosen by parents for their children even today, albeit at a much lower rate than in the past.
In summary, between 1913 and 2023, there have been a total of 13,960 babies named Stacey in the United States. The name's popularity has varied over the years, with peaks occurring in the mid-20th century and a significant decline in recent decades. Despite this decline, the name Stacey remains a part of American naming history.