The name Quincey has its origins in the Old French language, derived from the Latin word "quintus," which means "fifth." It was initially used as a surname, particularly in medieval times, to denote the fifth son in a family.

In the 12th century, the name Quincey emerged as a place name in England, referring to the village of Quincy in Buckinghamshire. This village was part of the lands granted to the Norman family de Quincy, who took their surname from the French town of Quincy in the Normandy region of France.

The earliest recorded use of Quincey as a given name can be traced back to the 13th century. One notable figure bearing this name was Saer de Quincy, Earl of Winchester (c. 1170-1219), a powerful English nobleman and one of the leading barons during the reign of King John.

Another prominent individual with the name Quincey was Thomas de Quincy (c. 1235-1292), an English nobleman and crusader who participated in the Eighth Crusade to the Holy Land. He is mentioned in various historical records from the time, including the chronicles of Matthew Paris.

In the 18th century, the name gained literary significance through the writings of Thomas de Quincey (1785-1859), an English essayist and author best known for his "Confessions of an English Opium-Eater." His unconventional spelling of the name, without the "n," contributed to its popularization.

Several other notable figures have borne the name Quincey throughout history, including:

1. Josiah Quincy (1744-1775), an American revolutionary and prominent member of the Sons of Liberty in Boston.
2. Josiah Quincy III (1772-1864), an American lawyer and politician who served as the sixth President of Harvard University.
3. Edmund Quincy (1808-1877), an American writer and reformer, known for his works on slavery and the abolitionist movement.
4. John Quincy Adams (1767-1848), the sixth President of the United States and a renowned diplomat and statesman.

While the name Quincey has its roots in Old French and Latin, it has been adopted and used across various cultures and societies, particularly in the English-speaking world, over the centuries.