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 experienced a significant boom in popularity between the mid-70s to late 90s, with peak years being 1991 (121 births) and 1992 (149 births). However, it has since declined sharply, reaching an all-time low of 18 births in 2023. Overall, there have been a total of 3383 births named Jacy between 1961 and 2023.