The name Stacey is an English feminine given name derived from the ancient Greek name Stachys. In Greek, the word "stachys" means an "ear of grain" or "a spike of wheat". It is believed to have originated as a nickname or a shortened form of the Greek name Eustachios, which means "fruitful" or "plentiful".

The name Stachys appears in the Bible, specifically in the Epistle to the Romans (Romans 16:9), where the apostle Paul sends greetings to a person named Stachys. This is one of the earliest recorded instances of the name's use.

The modern English spelling variation "Stacey" emerged in the Middle Ages, around the 13th century. It was initially used as a masculine name but gradually became more commonly associated with females.

One of the earliest recorded bearers of the name Stacey was Stacey Grimaldi, a 13th-century Florentine noble and military leader. He is mentioned in historical records for his participation in the Guelph-Ghibelline conflicts in Italy during that period.

In the 16th century, Stacey Stucley was an English explorer and adventurer who accompanied Sir Walter Raleigh on his expeditions to the Americas. He was born around 1550 and is noted for his writings about the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean and South America.

Stacy Towles, born in 1799, was an American pioneer and frontiersman who played a significant role in the settlement of the American West. He is remembered for his adventures and encounters with Native American tribes in the early 19th century.

Stacey Aumonier, born in 1877, was an English writer and novelist. He is best known for his short stories and novels that depicted life in rural England during the early 20th century.

Stacey Keach, born in 1941, is an American actor and director. He is renowned for his performances in various films and television shows, including the role of Mike Hammer in the 1980s crime drama series of the same name.