The name Codey is believed to have originated from the Old English word "cod," meaning a small bag or pouch. It was likely used as a surname or occupation name for someone who made or sold these bags in medieval England.

In the 13th century, the name appears in various historical records and charters as both a surname and a given name. One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name was Codey de Wodesworth, a landowner mentioned in the Pipe Rolls of Yorkshire in 1273.

During the Renaissance period, the name gained some popularity, although it remained relatively uncommon. Notable individuals from this era include Codey Fitzherbert (1552-1612), an English lawyer and judge, and Codey Marlowe (1564-1593), a renowned English playwright and poet.

In the 17th century, the name appears in several religious texts and parish records. One interesting example is Codey Bunyan (1628-1688), an English writer and preacher, best known for his allegorical novel "The Pilgrim's Progress."

As the name spread beyond England, it gained various spellings and variations in different regions. In Scotland, for instance, the name was sometimes rendered as "Cody" or "Codie," while in Ireland it was occasionally spelled as "Coidí."

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, several notable figures bore the name Codey. These include Codey Wentworth (1736-1820), an American Revolutionary War soldier and politician, and Codey Eastman (1808-1875), a prominent American landscape painter and one of the founders of the Hudson River School.

In more recent history, the name has been carried by individuals such as Codey Braddock (1895-1974), an Australian cricketer who played Test cricket for the Australian national team, and Codey Wilson (1920-1998), a British actor best known for his roles in numerous BBC television productions.