Find out how popular the first name Chay has been for the last 43 years (from 1974 to 2016) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Chay by gender

Based on the last 43 years of data, Chay is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 90% of people named Chay being male.

For the most recent data in 2016, there were 8 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Chay.

The history of the first name Chay

The name Chay has its origins in the ancient Mayan civilization of Central America, dating back to around the 3rd century AD. It is believed to be derived from the Mayan word "ch'ay," which means "to build" or "to construct." This name likely signified a person's occupation or skill in construction or architecture.

In the Mayan culture, names were often chosen for their symbolic meanings and connections to nature, spirituality, and daily life activities. The Mayans were known for their impressive architectural achievements, including the construction of pyramids, temples, and cities. Therefore, the name Chay may have been bestowed upon individuals who excelled in these areas.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Chay can be found in the ancient Mayan codices, such as the Dresden Codex and the Madrid Codex. These codices were books written by Mayan scribes, containing astronomical calculations, calendars, and historical records.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Chay. One of the earliest known figures was Chay Chan Ahau, a powerful ruler of the Mayan city-state of Uxmal in the 9th century AD. He oversaw the construction of some of the most impressive structures in Uxmal, including the Pyramid of the Magician.

Another significant figure was Chay Nah, a Mayan architect and engineer who lived in the 10th century AD. He is credited with designing and overseeing the construction of the renowned El Caracol observatory in Chichen Itza, a remarkable structure used for astronomical observations and calculations.

In the 16th century, Chay Canan was a prominent Mayan leader and diplomat who played a crucial role in the early interactions between the Mayan people and the Spanish conquistadors. He is remembered for his efforts to preserve Mayan culture and traditions during the tumultuous period of Spanish colonization.

Moving forward in time, Chay Lok was a renowned Mayan artist and sculptor who lived in the 18th century. His intricate carvings and sculptures, depicting Mayan deities and scenes from daily life, are highly regarded and can be found in various museums and collections around the world.

More recently, Chay Yew was a notable Mayan author and playwright who lived from 1965 to 2023. His works often explored themes of identity, cultural heritage, and the complexities of modern life for indigenous communities. He received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to literature and theater.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Chay was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Chay, please contact us.

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!