Surname de Lacy - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'D'
de Lacy: What does the surname de Lacy mean?
The surname "de Lacy" is of Norman origin, stemming from the time of the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. This surname is locational, derived from "Lassy" in Calvados, Normandy. The prefix 'de' means 'of' or 'from', indicating the family's geographical origin. The Lacy family was powerful in England and Ireland, gaining extensive lands through service to the Norman kings. Notable members of the de Lacy family include Hugh de Lacy, Lord of Meath, and Walter de Lacy, who built Ludlow Castle. The name de Lacy connotes nobility, antiquity, and historical significance. It was common for such a surname to be adopted by those who worked for the de Lacy family or lived on their lands, and it might also have been chosen by those who wished to associate themselves with the noble de Lacy lineage.
Order DNA origin analysisde Lacy: Where does the name de Lacy come from?
The surname de Lacy originates from Normandy, France, and was introduced to England and Ireland by the Normans in the 11th and 12th centuries. It is derived from the French phrase 'de Lassy', which translates to 'from Lassy.' Lassy is a town in Calvados, a region in Normandy. The de Lacy family was a powerful noble house during the Middle Ages, and established themselves in both England and Ireland, particularly in areas like Herefordshire and County Limerick respectively. Today, the surname de Lacy is most common in England and Ireland. However, it can also be found in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, due to the movements and immigration of people from these former British colonies. Despite its Norman origins, the name is not very common in modern-day France. Over the centuries, the spelling of the name has evolved, and today it is also commonly found as Lacy without the 'de.'
Variations of the surname de Lacy
The surname De Lacy is of Norman origin, deriving from Lassy, Calvados. The family was bestowed land in England after the Norman Conquest. Alternative spelling and variants of the surname de Lacy could include Delacy, Lacey, Lacy, De Lacey, De Laacey, De Lascy, De Lassi and Lassey. In Ireland, where they established themselves during the Anglo-Norman invasion before spreading to the north, it could have been Gaelicized to De Léis. Different branches of the family could be found under the names Lacys, Lacie or Lackeys as well.
The surnames could also be topographic in nature and denote residences located near a lassy, or “watercourse." Over the centuries, spellings of surnames frequently shifted according to the phonetic and regional dialect, meaning one family name could have multiple different spellings. In pre-modern times, literacy wasn't a common skill and names could be recorded as they sounded, leading to a wide array of surname variants. It is important to consider these possibilities when researching genealogy. The origin of a surname can also give clues into family history and heritage.
Famous people with the name de Lacy
- Mairead de Lacy: An Irish businesswoman who is an executive at LNZ International.
- Jean de Lancy: A French doctor and revolutionist born in 1749, a leader of the Girondins during the French Revolution.
- Maurice de Lacy: A French air force officer who won the Legion of Honor and was killed in action in 1905.
- Thomas de Lacy: Irish barrister and politician who was a member of the Irish House of Commons in the 18th century.
- Edward de Lacy Evans: An Australian entrepreneur and horse breeder who brought his Thoroughbred racehorses to Australia in the mid-19th century.
- Jane de Lacy Costello: An early Australian pioneer and educator, she was the first principal of the Queen Victoria School for Girls in 1880.
- Countess Constance de Liedekerke-Beaufort: A Belgian noble lady who participated in the Belgian independence movement in the late 19th century.
- Anthony de Lacy: An English soldier who fought in the War of the Roses and was slain in battle in 1460.
- William de Lacy: A 12th century English lupine and nobleman, he was active in the politics of the day and founded the Lacy family.
- Robert de Lacy: An Anglo-Norman nobleman active in the 11th century. He is mentioned in the Domesday Book as holding 73 lordships in Yorkshire.