Tracy is an English unisex given name derived from a surname originally from a place name in Normandy, France. It derives from Gallo-Roman given name Thracius with a locational suffix meaning “Thracian’s settlement” or “domain of Thracius”, Thracius being a Roman name referring to someone who came from Thrace or was a Thracian. The name comes from Latin thrax which may be derived from Ancient Greek thrássō (to trouble, stir), which makes sense since the Thracians were considered warlike and excellent fighters. In Greek mythology, Thrax is the son of the god Ares and the mythical ancestor of the Thracians. The name may also be related to Ancient Greek Thrasos meaning “confidence, courage; impudence, audacity” from Proto-Indo-European *dʰers- (to be bold, to dare) via *dʰer- (to support; to hold). In Greek myth, Thrasos is a daimon (spirit) of rashness, recklessness, insolence, and excessive boldness.
Tracy also has a separate origin as an Irish surname, the anglicized form of Ó Treasaigh meaning “descendant of Treasach”, Treasach being a personal name meaning “warlike, fierce”. Tracy has also been used as a nickname for Teresa, also a name of uncertain origin though it’s been linked to Ancient Greek Therasia which may be related to Greek therizo “to reap, to harvest” or from Greek theros “summer”. It could also be related to Greek ther meaning “wild beast” or therao meaning “to hunt”.
Origin: Proto-Indo-European, Irish, Ancient Greek
Variants:
- Tracey (English)
- Traci (English)
- Tracie (English)
- Traycee (English)
Names Throughout the Ages 