Kacey is a gender-neutral given name with its origins rooted in the English language. It is believed to have emerged as a diminutive or variant of the name Casey, which itself is derived from the Irish surname Caiside, meaning "brave" or "watchful."

The name Kacey gained popularity in the United States during the late 20th century, although its exact origins and etymology remain somewhat ambiguous. Some sources suggest that it may have been influenced by the Old English word "cæce," meaning "watchful" or "vigilant."

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kacey can be found in the 1974 novel "The Kacey Monster" by Michel Burnett, where it was used as the name of a fictional character. However, there are no significant historical references or mentions of the name in ancient texts or religious scriptures.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Kacey. One of the earliest was Kacey Cotten (1923-2013), an American baseball player who played in the Negro leagues during the 1940s and 1950s. Another prominent figure was Kacey Jones (1935-2008), an American actress and singer who appeared in numerous television shows and films throughout the 1960s and 1970s.

In the world of music, Kacey Musgraves (born 1988) is a renowned American country singer-songwriter who has won several Grammy Awards and has been praised for her unique sound and lyrical storytelling. Kacey Underwood (born 1984) is another American singer and songwriter known for her contribution to the Christian music genre.

Kacey Bellamy (born 1987) is a professional ice hockey player from the United States who has won multiple Olympic medals as part of the national women's ice hockey team, including gold medals in 2018 and 2022.

While the name Kacey has gained popularity in recent decades, it has a relatively short recorded history compared to many other given names. However, its unique spelling and gender-neutral nature have contributed to its increasing use and appeal across various cultures and communities.