Kay is a unisex name of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic word "Caoimhín", which means "gentle". It has been used as both a boy's and girl's name in English-speaking countries for many years. The name Kay was particularly popular during the mid-20th century but has since become less common.
The name Caoimhín, from which Kay is derived, has a long history in Irish culture and folklore. It is often associated with Saint Caomhin of Kilkenny, who lived in the 6th century. According to legend, Saint Caomhin was known for his kindness and compassion towards others, qualities that are reflected in the meaning of his name.
In literature, the name Kay has been used by several authors, most notably in J.M. Barrie's classic novel "Peter Pan", where one of the main characters is named Kay. This helped to popularize the name in English-speaking countries during the early 20th century.
Overall, Kay is a unique and historic name with a strong connection to Scottish and Irish culture. Its gentle meaning makes it appealing to parents looking for a name that reflects kindness and compassion. Despite its decline in popularity in recent years, Kay remains an attractive option for those seeking a distinctive unisex name with a rich history behind it.
The name Kay has been a consistent presence in the United States over the past century, with fluctuations in its popularity over time.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the name Kay was relatively uncommon, with fewer than ten births per year. The lowest point was in 1882, with only five births recorded. This trend continued until around 1910, when there were six births each year.
The popularity of the name began to increase significantly after World War I. In 1915, there were 31 births, more than double the number in the previous year. The following year saw another significant jump, with 46 births recorded. This trend continued throughout the 1920s, reaching a peak of 159 births in 1934.
However, after this high point, the popularity of the name Kay began to decline. By the end of the 1940s, there were fewer than 60 births per year. This trend continued into the 1950s and 1960s, with the number of births dropping below 30 in some years.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the name Kay experienced a brief resurgence in popularity, with around ten births per year. However, this was not sustained, and the number of births dropped again to single digits by the mid-1990s.
More recently, there has been another slight increase in the popularity of the name Kay. Between 2014 and 2023, there were between five and thirteen births per year, with a total of 3900 births recorded over this period.
Overall, while the name Kay has not been one of the most popular names in the United States, it has maintained a consistent presence over time. Its popularity has fluctuated significantly, but it has never entirely disappeared from the radar.