The name Macie is of Scottish origin and has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. It is derived from the ancient Scottish surname "MacEachain," which translates to "son of Eachan." Eachan was a popular given name among the Scottish in medieval times, meaning "horse" or "warrior." Therefore, Macie originally signified "son of horse" or "son of warrior."
The name Macie gained popularity as a female given name in the late 20th century. This shift can be attributed to the influence of popular culture, such as the character Macie from the television series "The Facts of Life," which aired from 1979 to 1988.
In some cases, Macie may also be a diminutive form of the given name Macrina, derived from the Greek male name Makarios, meaning "blessed" or "happy." However, this is less common than the Scottish origin.
Overall, Macie is a unique and strong-sounding name with a meaningful history dating back centuries. Despite its masculine roots, it has been embraced as a feminine given name in recent decades, adding to its allure and appeal.
The name Macie has seen significant fluctuations in popularity over the years. Between 1882 and 1939, there were fewer than 50 births each year on average, with some years even registering double-digit decreases. However, starting from the 1940s, there was a gradual increase in its usage, with notable spikes occurring in 1962 (21 births), 1972 (18 births), and 1975 (20 births). The name's popularity surged dramatically in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with 1990 marking a significant turning point as it became one of the top 1000 names for girls. Since then, Macie has maintained consistent popularity, peaking at its highest point in 2007 with 717 births. Although its usage has slightly decreased in recent years, it continues to be a beloved and popular name, having totaled over 22,000 births between 1882 and 2023.