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

Popularity of Skye by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 683 female babies and 69 male babies born with the name Skye.

The history of the first name Skye

The name Skye is believed to have originated from the Isle of Skye, the largest and northernmost of the major islands in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. The name itself is derived from the Old Norse word "ský," meaning "cloud" or "mist," which likely refers to the misty and cloudy weather often experienced on the island.

The Isle of Skye has a rich history dating back to the Mesolithic period, with evidence of human habitation from as early as 4000 BC. The name Skye is thought to have emerged during the Viking era, when Norse settlers arrived on the island in the 9th century AD.

While the name Skye does not appear to have been recorded in any significant historical texts or religious scriptures, it has been used as a given name for both males and females throughout history. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Skye is from the 16th century, when a Scottish nobleman named Skye MacLeod was mentioned in historical records.

In the 18th century, a notable figure named Skye Beaumont (1701-1784) was a French explorer and cartographer who is credited with mapping parts of the Pacific Northwest region of North America. Another individual named Skye Hepworth (1798-1872) was a British botanist and naturalist who made significant contributions to the study of plant life in Australia.

In more recent times, the name Skye has gained popularity as a given name for females, particularly in the English-speaking world. One of the most famous individuals with the name is Skye McCole Bartusiak (1992-2014), an American actress best known for her roles in films such as "The Patriot" and "Don't Say a Word."

Other notable individuals named Skye include Skye Sweetnam (born 1988), a Canadian singer-songwriter and actress; Skye Gyngell (born 1963), an Australian chef and food writer; and Skye Stracke (born 1998), an American soccer player who has represented the United States at the youth international level.

Overall, the name Skye has a rich history rooted in the Isle of Skye in Scotland, and its meaning and origins are closely tied to the island's misty and cloudy weather. While not as common in earlier centuries, the name has gained widespread popularity in modern times, particularly as a given name for females.

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

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

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