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

Popularity of Shy by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Shy is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 89% of people named Shy being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 8 female babies and 6 male babies born with the name Shy.

The history of the first name Shy

The name Shy is a relatively modern and uncommon name that originated in the English language. It is believed to have derived from the Middle English word "schey," which means "easily frightened" or "timid." This word is thought to have roots in the Old English word "sceoh," which also means "timid" or "bashful."

While the name itself is not found in ancient texts or religious scriptures, the concept of shyness and timidity has been explored and discussed throughout history across various cultures and belief systems. The earliest known usage of the name Shy as a given name dates back to the late 19th century in English-speaking countries.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Shy was Shy Browne, an American vaudeville performer who was born in 1887 and gained popularity in the early 20th century for her comedic acts and impersonations. Another notable figure with the name was Shy Huntington, an American baseball player who played for several teams in the early 1900s, including the Chicago White Sox and the Boston Red Sox.

In the literary world, Shy Davidson was an Australian author and poet who was born in 1933 and published several collections of poetry and short stories. Her works often explored themes of identity, relationships, and the human experience.

Moving into the realm of music, Shy Guy was the stage name of American singer-songwriter Guy Bailey, who was born in 1947 and achieved success as a songwriter and performer in the 1970s and 1980s.

More recently, Shy Glizzy is the stage name of American rapper and songwriter Marquis Amonte King, who was born in 1992 and has gained recognition for his contributions to the hip-hop and rap genres.

These are just a few examples of individuals who have carried the name Shy throughout history, each leaving their mark in various fields and industries. While the name may evoke associations with timidity or reservation, it has also been embraced by individuals who have boldly pursued their passions and made significant contributions to their respective fields.

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

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

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