Kay
Kay is a name of Greek and Welsh origin, derived from the Greek name Katherine meaning 'pure' or from the Welsh name Cai. It can also be used as a standalone name with Old English roots meaning 'keeper of the keys' or 'rejoice.'
Current Popularity
#3946 for girls
in the United States (2025)
Popularity over time
Good to Know
- •Extremely easy to spell and pronounce
- •Often used as a nickname for Katherine, Kayla, or Kathryn
- •Short and powerful single-syllable name
- •Has a vintage charm that's making a comeback
Similar Names
Famous People
Kay Thompson
Actress, author, and composer
Kay Sage
Surrealist artist and poet
Kay Panabaker
Actress
Kay Redfield Jamison
Psychologist and author
Statistics
98,621
Total births since 1880
1942
Peak year
Discovery
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