The name Maisy is an English diminutive form of the name Mary. It originated as a pet name derived from the medieval vernacular form of Mary, which was Marye or Marye. The name Mary itself is derived from the ancient Hebrew name Miryam, which has roots in the Hebrew words for "bitter" or "beloved".

The name Maisy first appeared in written records in the late 19th century, though it was likely used informally before then. One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Maisy Bateman, an English actress born in 1900. Another early example is Maisy Renwick, a Scottish actress born in 1905.

In the early 20th century, the name gained popularity due to the beloved children's book series featuring the character Maisy Mouse, written and illustrated by Lucy Cousins. The first Maisy book was published in 1990, introducing the lovable mouse to generations of young readers.

One of the most famous historical figures with the name Maisy was Maisy Grindley, a pioneering Jamaican dancer and choreographer who helped popularize Caribbean dance forms in the mid-20th century. She was born in 1917 and passed away in 2009.

Another notable Maisy was Maisy Lavan, an American actress and singer who appeared in several Broadway musicals in the 1940s and 1950s. She was born in 1922 and died in 2007.

In the world of sports, Maisy Hitchins was a British tennis player who competed in the early 1900s. She participated in the Wimbledon Championships from 1906 to 1914 and was born in 1888.

While the name Maisy has never been incredibly common, it has maintained a charming and whimsical appeal due to its literary associations and its diminutive, affectionate sound.