"from Massy, Normandy"
Origin: Old French/Norman
Language: English
Macy
Pronunciation: [ m-AYS-ee ]
Girl Name
#663 Most Popular
Steady
2 Syllables
A Norman French gem with a very American holiday spirit
American
English
French
Playful
Modern
Gentle
Classic
Meaning & Origin
"enduring, from the mace clan"
Origin: Old French mace
Language: French
Things to Know About This Name
- Associated with Macy's department store chain — a largely positive American cultural institution
The Story of Macy
Macy originates as an English surname from the Norman French place name Massy (in Normandy), which derives from a Latin personal name Maccius. The Macy family came to England with the Norman Conquest in 1066. As a first name, Macy gained use in the 19th century when surname-as-firstname was fashionable, and has remained a sweet, approachable choice that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Macy's popularity surged in the 1990s-2000s as a fresh alternative to the more common Stacy and Tracy. It benefited from the fame of singer Macy Gray and the holiday institution of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, giving the name both contemporary appeal and nostalgic American charm.
The Macy's department store, founded by Rowland Hussey Macy in 1858, has made this name synonymous with American retail and holiday traditions through the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, held annually in New York City since 1924 and watched by nearly 50 million people.
Fun Facts
- Macy's department store was founded in 1858 and remains one of America's largest retailers
- The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has been held annually since 1924 and is watched by tens of millions
- Singer Macy Gray (born Natalie Hinds) adopted her stage name Macy Gray in the 1990s
Macy in Other Languages
French
Macy
German
Macy
Italian
Macy
Spanish
Macy
Famous People Named Macy
M
Macy Gray
Musician
1967
American R&B singer-songwriter known for her distinctive raspy voice and the Grammy-winning hit I Try
R
Rowland H. Macy
Business
1822
Founder of Macy's department store, whose surname became one of America's most recognized retail names
M
Macy Misa Fictional
Entertainer
Character in the Disney Channel movie Lemonade Mouth (2011)
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #663
- Total SSA Count
- 440
- Cultural Origins
- American English French
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Mae
Pairs Well With
Macy Jane
Macy Claire
Macy Elizabeth
Macy Grace
Macy Anne
Macy Lynn
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Macy is also used as a boy name, ranked #29839.
View Macy as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Macy
What does the name Macy mean?
"from Massy, Normandy" (from Old French/Norman). "enduring, from the mace clan" (from Old French mace). Macy originates as an English surname from the Norman French place name Massy (in Normandy), which derives from a Latin personal name Maccius. The Macy family came to England with the Norman Conquest in 1066. As a first name, Macy gained use in the 19th century when surname-as-firstname was fashionable, and has remained a sweet, approachable choice that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
What is the origin of the name Macy?
Macy has Old French/Norman, Old French mace, American, English, and French origins. In Old French/Norman, it means "from Massy, Normandy". In Old French mace, it means "enduring, from the mace clan".
Is Macy a boy or girl name?
Macy is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #663. As a boy name, it is ranked #29839. Macy is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Macy?
Macy is pronounced m-AYS-ee.
How popular is the name Macy?
Macy is currently ranked #663 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Macy?
Common nicknames for Macy include Mae.
What are good middle names for Macy?
Popular middle name pairings include Macy Jane, Macy Claire, Macy Elizabeth, Macy Grace, Macy Anne, and Macy Lynn.
What are good sibling names for Macy?
Names that pair well with Macy as siblings include Lucy, Lily, Ella, Owen, Jack, and Nate.
How many syllables does Macy have?
Macy has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Macy a common or rare name?
Macy is moderately common, ranked #663 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Macy
Macy is a girl name with American, English, and French origins . The name means "from Massy, Normandy" in Old French/Norman .
Is Macy a boy or girl name? Macy is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #663 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #29,839. Macy is more commonly used as a girl name.
Macy is currently ranked #663 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Macy has 2 syllables and is pronounced m-AYS-ee, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Macy include Mae. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Macy include Mackenzie, Macie, Maci, Macey, Mackenna . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.