Shay Unisex
Origin(s)
PronunciationSHAY / /ʃeɪ/Irish; Hebrew
Meaning
Irish: 'admirable'; Hebrew: 'gift'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Shay has Irish roots, often used as a diminutive of the name Shane. In Hebrew, it is associated with the meaning of 'gift', reflecting a positive connotation. The name has gained popularity in various cultures and is used for both boys and girls, though it is more commonly given to boys in English-speaking countries. Its simplicity and phonetic appeal contribute to its enduring popularity.
Trend Summary
The name Shay has seen fluctuating popularity in the U.S., peaking in the early 2000s.
Similar Names
Variants
- Shae
- Shay
International Variants
- Shai (Hebrew)
- Shea (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 content.
Shay Given is an Irish former professional footballer, celebrated for his career as a goalkeeper.
Fictional characters named Shay
Shay is a character in the 'Uglies' series by Scott Westerfeld, known for challenging societal norms.
Shay is a character in the animated series 'The Amazing World of Gumball', often portrayed as a friend of the main characters.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Shay was first seen in the United States in 1932. Shay has ranked as high as #1073 nationally, which occurred in 1991, and has been most popular in California, New York, Texas, Utah, and Illinois. 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 | 19 | |
| NY | 9 | |
| TX | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1932 | 5 |
| 1954 | 5 |
| 1957 | 5 |
| 1959 | 5 |
| 1960 | 12 |
| 1961 | 16 |
| 1962 | 13 |
| 1963 | 14 |
| 1964 | 14 |
| 1965 | 8 |
| 1966 | 18 |
| 1967 | 11 |
| 1968 | 32 |
| 1969 | 38 |
| 1970 | 69 |
| 1971 | 55 |
| 1972 | 65 |
| 1973 | 79 |
| 1974 | 78 |
| 1975 | 74 |
| 1976 | 72 |
| 1977 | 77 |
| 1978 | 71 |
| 1979 | 86 |
| 1980 | 87 |
| 1981 | 80 |
| 1982 | 62 |
| 1983 | 57 |
| 1984 | 67 |
| 1985 | 73 |
| 1986 | 64 |
| 1987 | 106 |
| 1988 | 128 |
| 1989 | 123 |
| 1990 | 118 |
| 1991 | 154 |
| 1992 | 109 |
| 1993 | 115 |
| 1994 | 130 |
| 1995 | 129 |
| 1996 | 116 |
| 1997 | 101 |
| 1998 | 90 |
| 1999 | 84 |
| 2000 | 93 |
| 2001 | 61 |
| 2002 | 75 |
| 2003 | 101 |
| 2004 | 92 |
| 2005 | 90 |
| 2006 | 92 |
| 2007 | 88 |
| 2008 | 75 |
| 2009 | 86 |
| 2010 | 68 |
| 2011 | 76 |
| 2012 | 61 |
| 2013 | 53 |
| 2014 | 53 |
| 2015 | 62 |
| 2016 | 87 |
| 2017 | 72 |
| 2018 | 87 |
| 2019 | 74 |
| 2020 | 87 |
| 2021 | 109 |
| 2022 | 102 |
| 2023 | 90 |
| 2024 | 98 |