Macy

♀ Girl

Pronounced MAY-see /ˈmeɪ.si/High

Meaning: From a Norman French surname derived from the place name Massy in Normandy, France; ultimately from the Latin personal name Maccius, possibly related to Matthew (gift of God); brought to England by Norman settlersMedium

In 30 seconds: Macy is a sweet, friendly name with Norman French roots that feels modern and accessible. Best known through Macy's department stores (founded by Rowland Hussey Macy), the name has a cheerful, upbeat quality that makes it perennially popular.

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Origin HighOld French, Norman

MeaningFrom a Norman French surname derived from the place name Massy in Normandy, France; ultimately from the Latin personal name Maccius, possibly related to Matthew (gift of God); brought to England by Norman settlers

U.S. rank (2025)#720 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births390 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2003

Total births (all-time)≈ 32,745

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Macy is an English surname of Norman French origin, derived from the place Massy near Paris. The de Massy family came to England with the Norman Conquest in 1066. As a given name, Macy began appearing in the United States in the 19th century, sometimes as a tribute to Rowland Hussey Macy.

Macy gained popularity as a girls first name in the late 20th century, rising through the 1990s and 2000s. Singer Macy Gray and the ubiquity of Macy's stores kept the name in public consciousness. It remains a cheerful, accessible choice with strong American cultural associations.

Did you know? Macy's, the iconic American department store, was founded in 1858 by Rowland Hussey Macy, who had his own red star tattoo from his whaling days — which became the store's logo. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has made the name synonymous with American holiday tradition.

Overall data confidence 82%

Behind the Name — Macy — etymology and usageU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

MaciMacieMacey

Nicknames

MaeMac

Famous Bearers

★Macy Gray (1967–present)
American singer-songwriter known for the hit I Try.

If you like Macy…

Lacey— shares the soft -acy ending and the same breezy, friendly feminine feel

Gracie— parallel cheerful, friendly girls name with the same approachable warmth

Stacy— fellow -acy ending name in the same popular mid-range American girls name family

Kacy— shares the same ending sound and the same modern casual American feel

Frequently Asked

What does the name Macy mean?

Macy means 'from Massy,' a Norman French place name. It was brought to England by Norman settlers after the Conquest of 1066.

How do you pronounce Macy?

Macy is pronounced MAY-see /ˈmeɪ.si/ — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Macy named after Macy's department store?

The store was founded by Rowland Hussey Macy, making the surname famous. The name Macy as a girls name draws partly on this recognizable, positive American association.

Is Macy a popular name?

Macy has been consistently popular in the U.S. since the 1990s, valued for its cheerful, friendly sound and easy spelling.