Shay Unisex
Origin(s)
PronunciationSHAY / /ʃeɪ/Irish; Hebrew
Meaning
Irish: 'admirable'; Hebrew: 'gift'
Historical & Cultural Background
Shay is a name of Irish origin, often used as a diminutive of the name Shane. In Hebrew, it is associated with the meaning of 'gift' and is sometimes used for both boys and girls. The name has gained popularity in various cultures, particularly in English-speaking countries. Its unisex nature contributes to its appeal in contemporary naming trends.
Trend Summary
Shay has seen a steady increase in popularity for girls in the United States over the past few decades.
Similar Names
Variants
- Shae
- Shaye
International Variants
- Shai (Hebrew)
- Sé (Irish)
Famous people named Shay
Shay Mitchell is a Canadian actress known for her role in the television series 'Pretty Little Liars'.
Shay Carl is an American YouTuber and entrepreneur recognized for his family vlogs and online presence.
Shay Given is an Irish former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper for various clubs and the national team.
Fictional characters named Shay
Shay is a character in the 'Uglies' series by Scott Westerfeld, known for her rebellious spirit.
Shay is a character in the animated series 'The Lion Guard', serving as a friend to the main characters.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Shay was first seen in the United States in 1953. Shay has ranked as high as #1094 nationally, which occurred in 2022, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Illinois, New York, and Florida. In the past 5 years the name Shay has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Shay (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 27 | |
| NY | 17 | |
| FL | 12 | |
| IL | 12 | |
| TX | 12 | |
| MA | 11 | |
| MN | 11 | |
| NJ | 9 | |
| PA | 8 | |
| WI | 7 | |
| OR | 5 | |
| IN | 5 | |
| SC | 5 | |
| MD | 5 | |
| AZ | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1953 | 7 |
| 1954 | 6 |
| 1955 | 5 |
| 1956 | 6 |
| 1957 | 15 |
| 1958 | 7 |
| 1959 | 9 |
| 1960 | 11 |
| 1961 | 20 |
| 1962 | 29 |
| 1963 | 27 |
| 1964 | 18 |
| 1965 | 33 |
| 1966 | 22 |
| 1967 | 28 |
| 1968 | 34 |
| 1969 | 53 |
| 1970 | 133 |
| 1971 | 149 |
| 1972 | 116 |
| 1973 | 115 |
| 1974 | 130 |
| 1975 | 98 |
| 1976 | 84 |
| 1977 | 65 |
| 1978 | 107 |
| 1979 | 89 |
| 1980 | 134 |
| 1981 | 115 |
| 1982 | 100 |
| 1983 | 92 |
| 1984 | 97 |
| 1985 | 93 |
| 1986 | 92 |
| 1987 | 114 |
| 1988 | 106 |
| 1989 | 124 |
| 1990 | 128 |
| 1991 | 117 |
| 1992 | 129 |
| 1993 | 127 |
| 1994 | 157 |
| 1995 | 161 |
| 1996 | 158 |
| 1997 | 157 |
| 1998 | 148 |
| 1999 | 167 |
| 2000 | 156 |
| 2001 | 125 |
| 2002 | 140 |
| 2003 | 131 |
| 2004 | 141 |
| 2005 | 123 |
| 2006 | 122 |
| 2007 | 127 |
| 2008 | 148 |
| 2009 | 109 |
| 2010 | 112 |
| 2011 | 102 |
| 2012 | 84 |
| 2013 | 115 |
| 2014 | 144 |
| 2015 | 172 |
| 2016 | 171 |
| 2017 | 180 |
| 2018 | 168 |
| 2019 | 199 |
| 2020 | 277 |
| 2021 | 300 |
| 2022 | 301 |
| 2023 | 255 |
| 2024 | 208 |