Kay Unisex
Origin(s)
PronunciationKAY / keɪEnglish; Irish
Meaning
English: Rejoice; Irish: Brave
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Kay has been used in various cultures, primarily as a diminutive of names like Kayleigh or as an independent name. In English-speaking countries, it gained popularity in the 20th century. In Irish culture, it is often associated with bravery and strength. The name has also been used in literature and folklore.
Trend Summary
The name Kay has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, with peaks in the mid-20th century.
Similar Names
Variants
- Kaye
International Variants
- Kai (Hawaiian)
- Kaja (Scandinavian)
- Ká (Hungarian)
Famous people named Kay
Kay Adams is a sports commentator known for her work on NFL Network.
Kay Bailey Hutchison is a former U.S. Senator from Texas.
Kay L. McCarthy was a notable American politician in the 20th century.
Kay Thompson was an American author and actress, best known for her character Eloise.
Fictional characters named Kay
Kay is a character in the Arthurian legend, known as Sir Kay, the foster brother of King Arthur.
Kay is a character in the animated film 'The Snowman,' where he is depicted as a young boy.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Kay was first seen in the United States in 1882. Kay has ranked as high as #702 nationally, which occurred in 1934, and has been most popular in Utah, California, Idaho, Pennsylvania, and Texas. In the past 5 years the name Kay has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Kay (1965)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 6 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1882 | 5 |
| 1888 | 6 |
| 1894 | 6 |
| 1897 | 5 |
| 1899 | 5 |
| 1900 | 7 |
| 1902 | 5 |
| 1903 | 5 |
| 1905 | 5 |
| 1906 | 5 |
| 1907 | 6 |
| 1908 | 6 |
| 1910 | 6 |
| 1911 | 9 |
| 1912 | 17 |
| 1913 | 20 |
| 1914 | 25 |
| 1915 | 31 |
| 1916 | 46 |
| 1917 | 40 |
| 1918 | 58 |
| 1919 | 40 |
| 1920 | 65 |
| 1921 | 60 |
| 1922 | 63 |
| 1923 | 85 |
| 1924 | 77 |
| 1925 | 67 |
| 1926 | 77 |
| 1927 | 102 |
| 1928 | 84 |
| 1929 | 80 |
| 1930 | 105 |
| 1931 | 124 |
| 1932 | 124 |
| 1933 | 135 |
| 1934 | 159 |
| 1935 | 150 |
| 1936 | 137 |
| 1937 | 129 |
| 1938 | 120 |
| 1939 | 123 |
| 1940 | 124 |
| 1941 | 96 |
| 1942 | 96 |
| 1943 | 98 |
| 1944 | 69 |
| 1945 | 51 |
| 1946 | 44 |
| 1947 | 59 |
| 1948 | 42 |
| 1949 | 46 |
| 1950 | 32 |
| 1951 | 34 |
| 1952 | 35 |
| 1953 | 33 |
| 1954 | 36 |
| 1955 | 36 |
| 1956 | 27 |
| 1957 | 37 |
| 1958 | 25 |
| 1959 | 26 |
| 1960 | 29 |
| 1961 | 26 |
| 1962 | 20 |
| 1963 | 15 |
| 1964 | 18 |
| 1965 | 17 |
| 1966 | 9 |
| 1967 | 10 |
| 1968 | 10 |
| 1969 | 10 |
| 1970 | 8 |
| 1971 | 8 |
| 1972 | 6 |
| 1973 | 5 |
| 1974 | 9 |
| 1976 | 7 |
| 1977 | 7 |
| 1978 | 6 |
| 1979 | 8 |
| 1980 | 5 |
| 1981 | 8 |
| 1982 | 8 |
| 1984 | 6 |
| 1986 | 7 |
| 1987 | 7 |
| 1988 | 9 |
| 1989 | 5 |
| 1990 | 5 |
| 1991 | 8 |
| 1992 | 5 |
| 1993 | 6 |
| 1994 | 7 |
| 1995 | 5 |
| 1996 | 6 |
| 1998 | 5 |
| 2003 | 6 |
| 2004 | 7 |
| 2005 | 5 |
| 2014 | 6 |
| 2015 | 8 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2017 | 8 |
| 2018 | 6 |
| 2019 | 7 |
| 2020 | 10 |
| 2021 | 9 |
| 2022 | 10 |
| 2023 | 13 |
| 2024 | 14 |