The name Ivey is believed to have originated from the Old English word "iw," which means "yew tree." It is a name that has been in use since the early Middle Ages, particularly in England and other parts of the British Isles.

The earliest known record of the name dates back to the 12th century, when it appeared in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive record of landowners and property holdings in England commissioned by King William the Conqueror in 1086. In this document, the name was written as "Iuede."

Throughout the centuries, the name has had various spellings, including Ive, Ivie, Ivye, and Ivey. It was commonly used as a surname, but it also gained popularity as a given name, particularly for boys.

One of the earliest notable figures with the name Ivey was Sir Ivey de la Haye, a Norman knight who fought in the Crusades during the 12th century. Another historical figure was Ivey de Montfort, a 13th-century nobleman and military commander who played a significant role in the Barons' War against King Henry III.

In the 16th century, the name Ivey gained prominence with Ivey Mauduit, an English politician and landowner who served as a Member of Parliament during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. He was born in 1536 and died in 1612.

During the 17th century, the name Ivey appeared in various literary works, including William Shakespeare's play "The Merry Wives of Windsor," where a character named Master Ivey is mentioned.

In the 18th century, one of the most notable figures with the name Ivey was Ivey Gardiner, an English horticulturist and botanist who lived from 1723 to 1793. He was known for his contributions to the study of plants and his work in cultivating various species of flowers and trees.

Another significant figure was Ivey Forrester, a Scottish explorer and adventurer who lived from 1765 to 1835. He is known for his expeditions to the Arctic regions and his detailed accounts of the indigenous peoples and their way of life.