Origin
Tracey is of Old French origin, deriving from 'Thérèse', itself from the Greek name 'Thērsē', meaning 'harvester' or 'reaper'. The name entered English usage via Norman influence and gained popularity in Anglo-Saxon countries. In the Australian context, it was popularised in the mid-20th century, especially in English-speaking communities.
Meaning
Literal translation: 'harvester' or 'reaper'. In Australian English contexts, the name connotes femininity and a caring, down-to-earth personality, often associated with warmth and resilience.
Pronunciation
/ˈtreɪsi/ (Australian English, with emphasis on the first syllable) — 'TRAY-see' in common pronunciation, with a soft 's'.*"* (Note: 'Tracey' can occasionally be pronounced as /ˈtreɪsi/ or sometimes /ˈtreɪsiː/ depending on personal or regional preference.)
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Tracy (standard spelling)
- Traci (alternative spelling)
- Tresa (less common)
Nicknames
- Trace
- Tracy
Name Days
- 15 October (Feast of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux)
- 1 October (International Day of Older Persons, sometimes associated with older saints in Catholic tradition)
- 20 January (Feast of Saint Sebastian, historically linked through hagiographies)
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with tracey:
- Emily and Charlotte
- Megan and Sarah
- Jessica and Lauren
Fun Facts
- Tracey saw a surge in popularity in Australia during the 1960s and 1970s.
- Famous Australian musician Tracey Thorn was part of the duo Everything But the Girl, bringing international recognition to the name.
- The name is often associated with friendly, approachable personalities in Australian pop culture.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name tracey:
- friendly
- approachable
- resilient
- compassionate
Aesthetic Qualities
Simple, clean, and classic, with a straightforward typographic appearance that is visually approachable and easy to incorporate into various design styles.
Geographical Distribution
More prevalent in urban and coastal regions of Australia, especially in New South Wales and Victoria during its peak popularity; less common in remote inland areas.
Numerological Significance
Name number 8 (if assigning A=1, B=2, etc.), symbolising power, success, and balance—fitting traits in Australian societal values and personal aspirations.
Astrological Connections
No specific astrological associations, but often linked with personal traits such as ambition and practicality in numerological interpretations, aligning with Capricorn or Taurus zodiac signs.
Historical Context
The name gained cultural prominence through Australian actress Tracey Moseley and cricketer Tracey Beattie. Fictional characters named Tracey appear in Australian TV series, contributing to its cultural familiarity.
Linguistic Adaptability
The name remains consistent across English-speaking countries, with minor spelling variations like 'Tracy'. It adapts well into other languages through phonetic transliteration, though less common outside English contexts.
Famous People Named tracey
- Tracey Beaker (Fictional, though popular in Australian adaptations of British series)
- Tracey Moseley (Australian actress)
- Tracey Holmes (Australian sports journalist)
Popularity in Australia
Year | Count |
---|---|
2017 | 2 |
1987 | 36 |
1985 | 43 |
1984 | 48 |
1983 | 161 |