Lindsey is an English given name derived from the Old English word "lindesig" which means "from the linden trees". The name has its origins in the Anglo-Saxon regions of England and dates back to the Middle Ages. It was originally a surname referring to someone who lived near a linden tree or a grove of linden trees.

The earliest recorded use of Lindsey as a given name is from the 13th century, when it was primarily used as a masculine name. Over time, it transitioned to become more commonly used as a feminine name. The name was particularly popular in the English counties of Lincolnshire and Norfolk, where the linden tree was abundant.

One of the earliest notable bearers of the name was Lindsey of Tolvern, a 14th-century English nobleman who fought in the Hundred Years' War. Another early example is Lindsey Nicholas, an English Protestant martyr who was burned at the stake in 1555 during the Marian Persecutions.

In more recent history, some notable individuals named Lindsey include:

1. Lindsey Buckingham (born 1949), American singer-songwriter and lead guitarist of Fleetwood Mac.
2. Lindsey Davis (born 1949), English novelist best known for her historical detective novels set in ancient Rome.
3. Lindsey Vonn (born 1984), American former World Cup alpine ski racer and Olympic gold medalist.
4. Lindsey Stirling (born 1986), American violinist, dancer, and composer known for her choreographed violin performances.
5. Lindsey Graham (born 1955), American politician and senior United States Senator from South Carolina.

While the name Lindsey has been more commonly used for females in recent decades, it has a rich historical background as a masculine name, with roots dating back to the Anglo-Saxon era and the linden trees that were once abundant in parts of England.