Surname Tracy - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'T'
Unlocking Ancestral Stories: My iGenea DNA Journey Unravelling the History of the Surname Tracy
When I took the iGENEA DNA test, I wanted to learn about my ancestry tied to my family name - Tracy. The test unfolded a fascinating tale, tracing my lineage back to an Irish warrior clan, O'Treasaigh. The discovery brought a new depth to my understanding of my surname, transforming it into a symbol of pride and unity.
W. Tracy
read moreTracy: What does the surname Tracy mean?
The surname Tracy has Irish origins, originating from the Gaelic term "O'Treasaigh." It's derived from the word "treasach," meaning "war-like" or "fighter." It's also interpreted as "higher," "superior," or "chief". In some instances, it was used to denote someone from the town of Tracy-Bocage or Tracy-sur-Mer in Normandy, France. Many Irish surnames were anglicized during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, hence its transformation. Therefore, those bearing the Tracy surname could be descendants of warriors or those linked with the named geographical locations. It is also a unisex given name. Famous people with Tracy as a surname include American actor Spencer Tracy and American author Louis Tracy.
Order DNA origin analysisTracy: Where does the name Tracy come from?
The last name Tracy is common throughout North America, particularly in the United States. In the United States, Tracy is the 16th most common surname. It is particularly common in New England, where it is the 9th most common surname. It is also common in states like New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. Outside the United States, Tracy is not as common. In Canada, it is ranked 60th most common, with the highest concentrations in the provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, and Nova Scotia.
Tracy is also a common last name in Ireland, where it is the 21st most common name. The name is most common in the western part of the country, particularly in counties that border the Atlantic Ocean like Galway and Clare. The name is also found frequently in urban areas like Dublin and Cork.
In countries like the United Kingdom, the name Tracy is much less common. In 2020, it was ranked the 250th most common surname. It is most commonly found in large cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham.
Overall, the last name Tracy is most common in the United States, but it can be found in Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. It is particularly common in the eastern parts of North America and in western Ireland.
Variations of the surname Tracy
Tracy is a prominent surname that is widely popular in many countries around the world. The origin of Tracy is believed to be derived from the Celtic language, possibly from the roots “Trias” which translates to either "Loud/Bold" or "Three". As a result, the variants of this original surname, its spellings, and alternate surnames are quite numerous and consist of many variations of the original name.
The multiple spellings, variants, and alternate surnames for Tracy include: Treacy, Tracey, Treacey, Tracie, Tressex, Trassen, Trasey, Treaty, Tracen, Tracey, Traycey, Treasey, Treacey, and Traysey. Other alternate surnames for Tracy include Brokopp, Truscott, Truschke, Treat, Trago, Treatt, Traass, Treslow, Trissel, Treqau, Triggell, Trauce, Traskey, and Traycee.
Tracy is currently believed to have originated in Ireland where it remains among the most common of surnames, though it is also popular in the United States, a result of Irish immigration to that country. Variations of the surname Tracy are also found in England and in French-speaking countries such as France, Belgium, and Quebec, Canada. The various spellings, surnames, and variants of the name Tracy are a testament to its popularity and the widespread global influence of the Seanachais, a group of Irish storytellers who traveled and popularized the name.
Famous people with the name Tracy
- Spencer Tracy: An Academy Award-winning Hollywood actor of the 1930's and 40's, Tracy is best known for his 1938 film "Boys Town", his partnership with Katharine Hepburn in nine films (including "Woman of the Year" and "Adam's Rib"), and his Academy Award-winning roles in "Captains Courageous" and "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?".
- Dana Tracy: An American actress and television personality, she co-hosted "Live with Regis and Kelly" with Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa from 2001 to Florida and is now the host of Investigation Discovery's "Inside Homicide".
- Stan Lee Tracy: An American illustrator, writer and author of comic books, Tracy's work includes the series "Fantastic Four, The Amazing Spider-Man, Iron Man, and The Incredible Hulk". He is also a co-founder of Marvel Comics.
- Louis Tracy: An English novelist and journalist most noted for his series of mystery novels and short stories featuring "The Tiffen of Scotland Yard" character in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Ryan Tracy: A U.S. Olympic swimmer, Tracy competed in the 2000 Sydney and 2004 Athens Olympics.
- Christian Tracy: An American country music artist, songwriter, and actor, his work includes a number of albums under the BNA/RCA Nashville label, as well as appearing in television series, "Nashville" and "The Cleaner".
- Dub Tracy: An American country music artist, Dub Tracy has released two albums and several singles, most notably "Bigger Than That" in 2008.
- Dean Tracy: An American actor, screenwriter and director, Tracy is best known for his work in the cult classic "Omg Noooo!!!".
- Ellen Tracy: An American fashion design company started by its namesake in 1949, the company is headquartered in New York City and still produces a range of more formal and everyday styles for women. 10.Tracy Anderson: An American fitness trainer and author, Anderson is best known for her P.volve fitness program as well as her numerous books on fitness and exercise, and as an entrepreneur and wellness expert.