Tracy Name Meaning | Origin, History & Popularity

Tracy is a unisex name that has been popular in various parts of the world for decades. In this article, we will explore the meaning, popularity, history, cultural significance, and famous people associated with the name Tracy.

Tracy Name Meaning

The name Tracy is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic word “tresa,” which means “war-like.” The name was originally a surname, but it later became a popular given name for both boys and girls.

Popularity

Tracy was most popular in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s. It was a top 100 name for girls from the mid-1950s until the mid-1990s, with its highest ranking being in 1970, when it was the 27th most popular name for girls. It was also a top 1000 name for boys in the United States from the 1940s to the 1970s.

In other parts of the world, Tracy has also been a popular name. In the United Kingdom, Tracy was a popular name in the 1960s and 1970s. It was also a popular name in Australia and Canada during the same time period.

History

The use of Tracy as a given name can be traced back to the 19th century, when it was used as a nickname for men with the surname Tracy. It became more widely used as a first name for both boys and girls in the early 20th century, particularly in the United States.

The popularity of the name Tracy reached its peak in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s. It was commonly used for girls during this time, but it was also a unisex name and was occasionally used for boys.

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In recent years, the name Tracy has become less popular, but it still remains in use. It is more commonly used for girls than for boys, but it is still considered a unisex name.

Cultural Significance

Tracy does not have a significant cultural or religious significance. However, the name has been used in popular culture, particularly in music and literature.

One of the most famous uses of the name Tracy is in the musical “Hairspray,” where the main character is named Tracy Turnblad. The musical, which was first produced in 2002, has been adapted into a movie and a television series.

Tracy has also been used in literature, including in the comic strip “Dick Tracy” and the children’s book series “The Tracy Twins.” In these works, the name is used as a surname rather than a given name.

Famous People with the Name Tracy

There are many notable people with the name Tracy, including:

  • Tracy Chapman, an American singer-songwriter known for hits such as “Fast Car” and “Give Me One Reason”
  • Tracy Morgan, an American actor and comedian best known for his roles in “Saturday Night Live” and “30 Rock”
  • Tracy Austin, a former professional tennis player who won three Grand Slam singles titles in the 1980s
  • Tracy Hickman, an American author who co-created the “Dragonlance” series of fantasy novels
  • Tracy McGrady, a retired American professional basketball player who was a seven-time NBA All-Star

Conclusion

Tracy is a unisex name that has been popular in various parts of the world for decades. Its Irish origins and meaning of “war-like” give the name a strong and powerful connotation. Although its popularity has declined in recent years, it remains a recognizable name and has been used in popular culture and literature. With so many notable people bearing the name Tracy, it is sure to remain a recognizable name for years to come.

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