Jacelyn is a feminine given name of English origin, derived from the French name Jacqueline, which itself is a diminutive form of the male name Jacques. The name Jacques ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Jacob, meaning "supplanter" or "one who follows." The name Jacelyn emerged as a variant spelling in the late 20th century.

The name Jacqueline has a long history, with roots dating back to the Middle Ages. It was popularized in France during the 12th century and was borne by several notable women, including Saint Jacqueline de Montfort (1210-1252), a French nun and mystic.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Jacelyn can be found in the birth records of the early 19th century. In 1815, a Jacelyn Brown was born in London, England. Another early bearer of the name was Jacelyn Halliday (1846-1919), an American author and editor from Massachusetts.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Jacelyn. Jacelyn Trevanian (1925-1997) was an American painter and sculptor known for her abstract expressionist works. Jacelyn Reilly (born 1951) is a Canadian actress best known for her roles in television series such as "The Beachcombers" and "Street Legal."

In the literary world, Jacelyn Blanchard (1956-2012) was an American author and poet who published several collections of poetry and short stories. Jacelyn Biondo (born 1974) is a British actress and model who has appeared in various television shows and films.

Another notable Jacelyn is Jacelyn Rendleman (born 1988), an American musician and singer-songwriter. She has released several albums and has gained popularity in the indie rock scene.

While the name Jacelyn has its roots in England and France, it has gained popularity across various cultures and regions over the years, with bearers of the name making their mark in diverse fields such as art, literature, entertainment, and music.