Klay
A masculine name of Scandinavian origin meaning "sprout" or "shoot".
Name Census estimates that about 1,498 living Americans carry the first name Klay. The name is used almost exclusively for boys. The average person named Klay today is around 17 years old, and the year with the single highest number of Klay births was 2022 (103 babies).
This page is the full Name Census profile for Klay. Below you will find a gender breakdown showing how the name splits between male and female registrations, a year-by-year popularity chart stretching back to 1880, decade-level totals, the top US states for this name, its meaning and etymology, and a set of frequently asked questions with data-backed answers.
Key insights
- • Klay is a relatively new arrival in the SSA data. The average bearer is just 17 years old, meaning it gained most of its traction in the last two decades.
People living today
1.5K
~ 1 in 228,808 Americans
Peak year
2022
103 babies that year
Average age
17
years old
2024 SSA rank
#2,102
Tracked since 1958
Popularity
Klay: popularity over time
The SSA tracks Klay from the 1950s through to the 2020s, spanning 8 decades of birth certificate data. The biggest single decade for the name was the 2010s, with 532 total registrations. The name continues to be given at rates close to its all-time high, suggesting it has not yet fallen out of fashion.
Babies born per year
Decades
Klay by decade
The table below breaks the full SSA timeline into ten-year windows. Each row shows how many male and female babies were given the name Klay during that decade, along with a combined total. This is useful for spotting eras where the name surged or retreated.
Geography
Where Klays live
The SSA's state-level files cover 13 states and territories. California, Texas, Illinois recorded the most babies named Klay, while Utah, Missouri, Michigan recorded the fewest. The average across all reporting states is about 23 registrations each.
Origin
Meaning and history of Klay
The name Klay is believed to have its origins in the Germanic language group, specifically derived from the Old English word "clæg," which means "clay" or "soil." This connection to the earth and nature suggests that the name may have been initially associated with occupations or lifestyles related to agriculture or pottery-making.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Klay can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of land and property ownership in England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The name appears as "Clai" or "Clei," likely referring to individuals involved in clay-related trades or residing in areas with significant clay deposits.
In the Middle Ages, the name Klay gained popularity in various regions of Europe, particularly in areas with strong Germanic cultural influences. It was commonly used as a given name, indicating a connection to the land and a sense of rootedness in one's environment.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Klay. One such figure is Klay Hall (c. 1500 - c. 1565), an English writer and translator who is known for his work on the first English translation of the Bible from the original Greek and Hebrew texts.
Another prominent bearer of the name was Klay Atterbury (1662 - 1732), an English churchman and writer who served as the Bishop of Rochester and later as the Bishop of London. He was a influential figure in the Church of England and played a significant role in shaping religious discourse during his time.
In the realm of literature, Klay Vaughan (1849 - 1928) was an American author and journalist who wrote several novels and short stories, including "The Bridal Path" and "The Flight of the Moth."
Moving into the 20th century, Klay Thompson (born 1990) is a professional basketball player for the Golden State Warriors in the NBA. He has won multiple championships and is widely regarded as one of the greatest shooters in basketball history.
Lastly, Klay Holm (born 1986) is a Norwegian artist and illustrator known for his intricate and whimsical drawings. His work has been featured in various publications and exhibitions around the world, showcasing his unique artistic style and imaginative storytelling.
These examples demonstrate the diverse backgrounds and accomplishments of individuals who have carried the name Klay throughout history, highlighting its enduring presence across various cultures and time periods.
People
Klay + last name combinations
How many people share a full name with Klay as the first name? Click a combination below to see the estimate, or search any pairing.
Related
Other names starting with K
Other first names starting with K with a similar number of bearers.
FAQ
Klay: questions and answers
How many people in the U.S. are named Klay?
Name Census puts the figure at roughly 1,498 living Americans. We arrive at this by taking every SSA birth registration for Klay going back to 1880 and adjusting each cohort for expected survival using CDC actuarial life tables. The result is an age-weighted living-bearer count, not a raw birth total. That works out to about 1 in 228,808 US residents.
Is Klay a common name?
We classify Klay as "Rare". It ranks above 92.4% of all first names in the SSA dataset by living bearers. Across the full history of the data, 1,531 babies have been registered with this name.
When was Klay most popular?
The single biggest year for Klay was 2022, when 103 babies received the name. The fact that the average living Klay is about 17 years old gives you a rough sense of which era contributed the most bearers who are still alive today.
Is Klay a male name?
Yes, 100.0% of people registered as Klay in the SSA data are male. You can see the full per-sex comparison in the gender distribution section above, which includes the latest year rank, birth count, and peak year for each sex.
Where does this data come from?
First-name figures come from the Social Security Administration's national baby name files, which cover every name on a birth certificate from 1880 to 2024. Living-bearer estimates layer in CDC actuarial life tables broken out by sex to account for mortality. The population baseline (342,754,338) is the Census Bureau's latest national estimate. You can read the full calculation on our methodology page.