Surname Lacy - Meaning and Origin
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Lacy: What does the surname Lacy mean?
The surname Lacy is of Norman French origin. It was derived from De Lassy, a place in the Calvados Departement in Normandy. This surname was brought to England by the Normans during the time of the Norman Conquest in 1066. Over time, Lacy was adopted as an English surname, signifying a person originated from Lassy in Normandy. The name Lacy is also often associated with lace making. However, its origins and historical associations are more related to geographical location than to any specific profession or occupation. This surname has various spellings, including Lacy, Lacey, De Lacy, and Leacy. Like many surnames, the interpretations and origins can vary based on regional dialects, cultural evolution, and familial tradition.
Order DNA origin analysisLacy: Where does the name Lacy come from?
The surname Lacy has Anglo-Norman origins and is a habitational surname from Lassy, Calvados, a region in France. The name was brought to England after the Norman Conquest in 1066, particularly by Ilbert de Lacy, who received lands in Yorkshire. Among his descendants, two of them became Earls of Lincoln while another became the Baron of Pontefract.
The Lacy name, like many others, experienced spelling variations such as Lacey, Lacie, de Lacey, and others, especially during the Middle Ages when the English language lacked definite spelling rules. The name comes from 'de Lassy' or 'de Lacy' which means 'from Lassy.'
The name Lacy is most common today in the United States, especially in the areas of Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas. According to Forebears' surname database, it is also quite prevalent in England (specifically in West Yorkshire), Ireland, and Australia. Despite its origins in France, it is not very common there today. Other places where significant populations carrying the Lacy name exist include Canada and Jamaica.
Variations of the surname Lacy
The surname Lacy has several variants, spellings and translations bearing the same origin – the old French word "Lassy," which translates as "from Lassy."
Different variations of Lacy include Lacey, Laci, Lacie, Lassey, Lace, Lasie, Lassy, Lascie, De Lacy, and Lacey amongst others. The prefix "De" in "De Lacy" indicates a noble or aristocratic lineage.
This surname finds its roots in Norman times, linked to the site of Lassy in Calvados, Normandie, from where the family may have moved during the Norman Invasion of England in 1066.
The name also has its Irish counterparts in Ó Laitheasa and Ó Flaithasa.
In the United States, the Lacy surname was sometimes Anglicized by immigrants to more common spellings like "Lacey."
Further, due to historical illiteracy, phonetic spelling or transcription errors, the surname Lacy could have many more recorded variations than listed. Surnames were often recorded as they sounded, leading to many spelling variations for a single person or family.
Like many other surnames, the Lacy surname has also evolved over time into multiple versions and variations. Thus tracing the exact origin might sometimes be challenging, leaving room for further research and exploration.
Famous people with the name Lacy
- John Lacy: English stage actor of the 17th century.
- Lewia Lacy: American singer and songwriter.
- Tracy Lacy: American fitness model and motivational speaker.
- Bobby Lacy: NBA basketball player from the 80s and 90s.
- Bill Lacy: American college football coach from the 70s and 80s.
- Diane Lacy: American actress best known for her role in the movie Freaky Friday.
- John Lacy: Chief executive of The John Lewis Partnership since 2017.
- Kelly J. Lacy: American author and professional speaker.
- Fred Lacy: American football player and coach in the US.
- Corbyn Lacy: British actor best known for his roles in The Royals and Holby City.