Find out how popular the first name Tracer has been for the last 28 years (from 1996 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Tracer by gender

Based on the last 28 years of data, Tracer is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 7 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Tracer.

The history of the first name Tracer

The name Tracer has its origins in the Old English language, derived from the verb "tracen," which means "to follow a trail or track." It was originally used as an occupational surname for those who tracked or traced animals, criminals, or other individuals.

In the early Middle Ages, around the 6th to 10th centuries, the name Tracer emerged as a given name among Anglo-Saxon communities in what is now England. It was sometimes spelled as "Tracere" or "Tracor" during this period, reflecting the variations in Old English dialects.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Tracer can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of land ownership and taxation commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The entry mentions a landowner named "Tracer de Wulfham" in the county of Essex.

Throughout the medieval period, the name Tracer was relatively uncommon but appeared in various historical records. For example, a knight named Tracer de Montfort fought alongside King Edward I during the Wars of Scottish Independence in the late 13th century.

In the 16th century, a notable figure named Tracer Hawkins (1530-1588) gained recognition as an English navigator and explorer. He undertook several voyages to the Americas and the West Indies, and his accounts of these expeditions contributed to the growing knowledge of the New World at the time.

Another historical figure bearing the name Tracer was Tracer Grimaldi (1642-1717), a Genoese diplomat and statesman who served as the ambassador of the Republic of Genoa to various European courts. He played a significant role in negotiating treaties and fostering diplomatic relations during a turbulent period in European history.

In the 19th century, a Scottish poet named Tracer Macdonald (1824-1886) gained recognition for his works celebrating the natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands and the lives of rural communities. His poetry collections, such as "The Heather Lintie" and "Balmoral Idylls," were widely praised for their vivid descriptions and lyrical quality.

While the name Tracer has remained relatively uncommon throughout history, it has been carried by individuals from various backgrounds and professions, each leaving their mark on their respective fields and contributing to the rich tapestry of human civilization.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Tracer was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Tracer, please contact us.

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