Surname Dacey - Meaning and Origin
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Dacey: What does the surname Dacey mean?
The last name Dacey is of Irish origin and may have been derived from various Gaelic words and personal names. The spelling "Dacey" is derived from the Gaelic Irish surname Ó Dathaigh, which comes from the Irish personal name Dathaid. This name is composed of dath, meaning "colour" or "prosperity", and aide, meaning "sea".
In the context of a surname, Dacey might denote someone with a ruddy complexion, one who comes from a wealthy family, or even a seafaring ancestor. It is also possible that the name originated from some placename, such as the Kerry town of Dingle, which was referred to as Dhingtilin the Irish language.
Dacey is not a particularly common last name in Ireland, although there is a high concentration of those bearing the Dacey surname in the south-western part of the country. It is most commonly found in the counties of Cork, Kerry, and Limerick. There are also a significant number of people bearing the surname in the United States, particularly in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and New York, with many having emigrated from Ireland during the Great Famine of the 1840s.
Order DNA origin analysisDacey: Where does the name Dacey come from?
The last name Dacey is most commonly found today in English-speaking countries, particularly the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Ireland and South Africa.
In the United States, the Dacey family name has been recorded in all of the country's southern and eastern East Coast states, including Maryland, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and North Carolina. The name is also found in West Virginia, Ohio, Illinois, Missouri, Louisiana and Florida.
In the United Kingdom, the last name Dacey is most commonly found in Wales, Scotland and Yorkshire. Records show that family members are particularly clustered around counties such as Devon, Somerset, Lancashire and Middlesex.
The Daceys of Ireland were originally Gaelic clan members of the Ui Didechair, which was located mainly in the central areas of Tipperary and Kilkenny in Leinster. This family is believed to be of Norman origin.
In Australia, the origin of the Dacey last name is believed to be Dublin, with migration increasing from the country in the late 19th century. In Canada, the Dacey family name is linked to the French-speaking peoples of Quebec and the Maritime provinces, mainly Nova Scotia.
The last name Dacey is recorded in South Africa, strongly linked to the British and Dutch settler history of the 18th century.
Although it has by no means been a common name, records for the Dacey last name in English-speaking countries show a steady presence over hundreds of years.
Variations of the surname Dacey
The surname Dacey has multiple spellings, variants, and associated surnames. The principal spelling is often seen as Dacey, but can also be spelt as Dacy, Daicey, Daicy, Deacy, or Daisey. These are just a few of the assorted renderings of a very common Irish surname.
The associated surnames of Dacey include D’Acy, Decy, D’Ceys, D’Cey, Dacye, Decae, D’Ce, Deacy, Daissy, Daise, Daisee, Deasey, and Deacye. Additionally, the Anglicized surname of Casey may have evolved from the Gaelic Ó Cathasaigh and has been used interchangeably in some cases with Dacey.
The surname is believed to have derived from the Irish Gaelic name “Ó’Dathghaigh”, from the word “dathach” meaning “splendid”. The Dacey surname is found predominantly in Connaught, County Mayo and Galway in the province of Ulster.
Dacey is a very common Irish surname and is found in many different spellings and variants throughout Ireland and across other countries. It is important to remember that names can evolve and mutate over time, so it is best to search thoroughly when researching the surname Dacey.
Famous people with the name Dacey
- Dan Dacey: Musician and Record Producer
- Kennedy Dacey: American actress
- Jody Dacey: Professional soccer player
- Joe Dacey: Formerly the National Basketball Association player
- Robert Dacey: Guinness World Record holder for fastest mile on roller blades
- Jim Dacey: Retired professional ice hockey player
- Margaret Dacey: Award-winning author
- Alice Dacey: Older sister of Walt Disney
- George Dacey: World War II veteran and explorer
- Sheila Dacey: Irish politician and peace activist.