N
NamyLab

Shay

male
Updated 7 months ago

Meaning

"Hawk Like"

Commonly linked to Irish Séaghdha, it is frequently glossed as hawk-like or admirable, with broad modern usage.

Themes:gaelicconcisemeaningful
UniqueRare

Fact-checked by Lily Anderson

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

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

Popularity History of Shay

Full SSA rank history from 1880 to 2024

#1701Ranked in 2024

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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
#1701

Shay was nationally ranked in 2024.

Change Vs Previous Year
+98

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

Shay Nicknames

Familiar short forms, playful variations, and easy everyday options for Shay.

8 ideas
shay
Nickname
shie
Nickname
sho
Nickname
sh
Nickname
SH
Nickname
shayie
Nickname
shayy
Nickname
shayo
Nickname

Similar Names to Shay

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Aiden

AY-den

“Little Fiery One”

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“Noble Wolf”

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Al

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Baby Name Lists That Include Shay

Browse every Namylab list page that currently includes Shay, from meaning and origin collections to letter, syllable, and themed baby name lists.

8 linked lists

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Shay mean?
Shay means "Hawk Like". Commonly linked to Irish Séaghdha, it is frequently glossed as hawk-like or admirable, with broad modern usage.
What is the origin of Shay?
Shay is of Irish origin. The name has been used historically across cultures and carries significant cultural meaning within its origin tradition.
How popular is the name Shay?
According to the latest SSA data, Shay is currently ranked #1701 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 Shay a boy name?
Shay 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 Shay?
Popular nicknames for Shay include shay, shie, sho, sh, and more. These offer shorter, more casual alternatives for everyday use.
What names are similar to Shay?
There are many names similar to Shay in meaning, origin, or sound. Explore the Similar Names section to discover alternatives that may resonate with you.

Quick Facts

OriginIrish
Syllables1
Length4 letters
US Rank#1701
Trend↑ Rising
Starts withS

Sibling Ideas

Explore More Boy Names Like Shay

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

Shay appears in several of our curated collections. Check out Beautiful Irish Baby Names and Unique Baby Names for more names with a similar feel. You might also enjoy browsing Baby Names Starting with S and Boy Names Starting with S.

Before you decide, try our Full Name Preview to see how Shay pairs with your surname. The Sibling Name Matcher can help find names that complement Shay 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.