Find out how popular the first name Kay has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kay by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Kay is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 95% of people named Kay being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 47 female babies and 13 male babies born with the name Kay.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 13 baby boys were named Kay in 2023, despite it being a predominantly female name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Kay

The name Kay has its origins in various languages and cultures, with a rich history spanning centuries.

The name Kay is derived from the Middle English word "cay," which in turn originated from the Old French word "cai" or "quai," meaning "key." This connection to the concept of a key likely symbolized the ability to unlock or gain access to something important.

In Old English, the name Kay was also used as a variant spelling of the name "Caius," which was a Roman praenomen (personal name) derived from the Latin word "gaudere," meaning "to rejoice" or "to be glad."

The name Kay has been present in various historical records and texts. In ancient Greek mythology, Kay was the name of one of the sailors who accompanied the legendary hero Jason on the Argonautic expedition in search of the Golden Fleece.

In medieval literature, the name Kay is prominently associated with the character Sir Kay, who was the foster brother and seneschal (steward) of King Arthur in the Arthurian legends. Sir Kay played a significant role in the tales of the Knights of the Round Table and was often portrayed as a brave and loyal knight.

Some notable individuals throughout history who bore the name Kay include:

1. Kay Kyser (1905-1985), an American bandleader and radio personality who led the popular Kay Kyser Orchestra during the swing era.
2. Kay Francis (1899-1968), an American stage and film actress who achieved stardom during the 1930s and was known for her roles in films like "Trouble in Paradise" and "Dr. Monica."
3. Kay Kendall (1927-1959), an English actress and comedienne, known for her performances in films such as "Les Girls" and "The Reluctant Debutante."
4. Kay Lenz (born 1953), an American actress known for her roles in films like "Breezy" and the television series "Reasonable Doubts."
5. Kay Redfield Jamison (born 1946), an American clinical psychologist and writer, best known for her work on bipolar disorder and her memoir "An Unquiet Mind."

The name Kay has been a part of various cultures and has held different meanings throughout history, often associated with concepts of joy, access, and strength. Its enduring presence in literature, mythology, and the lives of notable individuals reflects its timeless appeal and versatility.

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 Kay was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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