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

Popularity of Kaye by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Kaye is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Kaye.

The history of the first name Kaye

The name Kaye has its origins in the Middle English word "key," which itself stems from the Old French "key" and the Latin "clavis," meaning "key." Kaye was initially used as a surname in medieval England, often given to locksmiths or those who held important keys. It later transitioned into a given name, particularly for women.

One of the earliest recorded instances of Kaye as a first name dates back to the 16th century. In 1587, the English writer Thomas Kaye published a work titled "The Praise of Nothing." While his first name was Thomas, the spelling of his surname provides an early example of the name's usage.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Kaye. One of the earliest was Kaye Graham (1723-1789), an English actress and author who performed on the London stage during the 18th century. She was known for her roles in comedic plays and her writings on theatre.

In the 19th century, Kaye Arbuthnot (1837-1916) was a notable Scottish educator and writer. She founded a school for girls in Edinburgh and wrote several books on education and women's issues.

The early 20th century saw the rise of Kaye Francis (1899-1968), an American actress who starred in numerous films during the Golden Age of Hollywood. She was known for her roles in films such as "Trouble in Paradise" and "Dr. Monica."

Another famous bearer of the name was Kaye Ballard (1925-2019), an American actress, comedian, and singer. She had a successful career on Broadway and television, appearing in shows like "The Mothers-in-Law" and "The Doris Day Show."

In the literary world, Kaye Gibbons (born 1960) is an American novelist and short story writer. Her debut novel, "Ellen Foster," was a critically acclaimed work that won several awards, including the Sue Kaufman Prize for First Fiction.

While the name Kaye has fluctuated in popularity over the years, it has maintained a presence throughout history, often associated with talented individuals in the arts, literature, and education.

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

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

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