N
NamyLab

Kay

male
Updated 6 months ago

Meaning

"Rejoice"

Short form used for multiple names and genders, with mixed proposed origins including Celtic and English nickname traditions.

Themes:shortformunisexuncertain

Fact-checked by Lily Anderson

M.F.A. Creative Writing, Sarah LawrencePublished NovelistName Collection CuratorCreative Names Editor

This name has been verified against authoritative sources including SSA data, etymology databases, and cultural naming traditions.

Popularity History of Kay

Full SSA rank history from 1880 to 2024

#6303Ranked in 2024

Loading chart...

Yearly Ranking Snapshot

Pick any SSA release year to inspect that year's national ranking and how it changed from the year before.

Selected Year Rank
#6303

Kay was nationally ranked in 2024.

Change Vs Previous Year
+410

better than 2023

Data Source

Popularity rankings are based on official data from the Social Security Administration (SSA), which tracks baby name applications in the United States.

Last updated: 2024 • Data source updated annually

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Kay mean?
Kay means "Rejoice". Short form used for multiple names and genders, with mixed proposed origins including Celtic and English nickname tradit
What is the origin of Kay?
Kay is of English origin. The name has been used historically across cultures and carries significant cultural meaning within its origin tradition.
How popular is the name Kay?
According to the latest SSA data, Kay is currently ranked #6303 in the United States. The name has shown interesting trends over the past century, with popularity varying based on cultural preferences and naming trends.
Is Kay a boy name?
Kay is traditionally a boy name. However, modern naming practices are increasingly flexible, and names can be used across genders based on personal preference.
What are good nicknames for Kay?
Common nicknames can be formed by shortening or modifying the name. Check the Nicknames section above for specific suggestions.
What names are similar to Kay?
There are many names similar to Kay in meaning, origin, or sound. Explore the Similar Names section to discover alternatives that may resonate with you.

Quick Facts

OriginEnglish, Celtic
Syllables1
Length3 letters
US Rank#6303
Trend↑ Rising
Starts withK

Explore More Boy Names Like Kay

Kay has English roots, making it a wonderful choice if you love names from this heritage. Discover more options in our English baby names collection, where you'll find hundreds of names with similar cultural depth.

Kay appears in several of our curated collections. Check out Celtic Baby Names and Beautiful Irish Baby Names for more names with a similar feel. You might also enjoy browsing Unique Baby Names and Traditional English Names.

Before you decide, try our Full Name Preview to see how Kay pairs with your surname. The Sibling Name Matcher can help find names that complement Kay beautifully, and the Nickname Predictor reveals the most common short forms.

Explore our full baby name lists for origin-based, meaning-based, and themed collections, or head back to the baby name generator to continue your search.