Quay is a name of Irish origin that has gained popularity in recent years. It is derived from the Irish surname "Ó Ceallaigh," which means "descendant of Ceallach." Ceallach was a chieftain who lived in the 10th century and was known for his wisdom and bravery.
The name Quay has a strong historical background, with many notable figures throughout history bearing this name. It is believed that the name originated from the ancient Irish clan, the Uí Ceallaigh, who were known for their courage and strength in battle.
Quay is also associated with the Irish language, as it was a popular name among Irish poets and scholars during the Middle Ages. The name has been used by several prominent writers and academics throughout history, including Quay Tait, an Irish poet from the 19th century.
Today, Quay is often used as a given name for boys and girls alike. It has a modern and unique sound while still maintaining its historical roots and significance. The name Quay has also become popular outside of Ireland, with many families choosing it for its distinctive sound and meaning.
In summary, Quay is an Irish name with a rich history and meaning. Derived from the ancient Irish surname "Ó Ceallaigh," it signifies strength, courage, wisdom, and intelligence. As a given name, Quay has gained popularity in recent years due to its unique sound and historical significance.
The name Quay has seen a varied pattern of usage over the years in the United States. The earliest recorded birth with this name was in 1914, with 9 babies given the name that year. The popularity of Quay seemed to fluctuate throughout the early to mid-20th century, with some years seeing as few as 5 births and others reaching a peak of 14 births in 1971.
After a decline in usage from the late 1970s to the mid-1980s, Quay began to see a slow but steady increase in popularity. From 1982 onwards, there were consistently more than 5 births per year for this name, indicating that it was beginning to be chosen more often by parents.
The late 20th century and early 21st century saw a period of relative stability for Quay, with most years seeing between 6 to 9 births. There have been some notable peaks in recent years, however, with 10 births recorded in both 2023 and the most recent year available, 2022.
Overall, based on these statistics, it appears that while Quay has never been an extremely popular name in the United States, it has maintained a consistent presence over the past century. It is possible that this trend will continue into the future, with Quay being chosen by parents as a unique yet familiar option for their children's names.
In total, there have been 390 births with the name Quay recorded in the United States since 1914.