Holding steady.
Popularity of Cay since 1939
Babies named Cay per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1930s | 7 |
| 1940s | 34 |
| 1950s | 143 |
| 1960s | 57 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Cay is a short, simple name that has seen modest use as a variant of Kay. It was first recorded in 1939 and reached its peak usage in 1955, though it has never ranked in the national top 1000. The name has remained stable in usage over the decades, with no significant revival. Its lack of top state associations suggests a broad but sparse distribution. As a name with flexible spelling and a soft sound, Cay appeals to parents looking for a brief yet distinctive choice. The trajectory shows consistent minimal use, making it a rare but not unfamiliar option.
Cay is likely a variant of Kay, which has multiple origins. Kay may derive from the Welsh name Cai, or from the Greek name Katherine meaning 'pure'. Alternatively, it can be a short form of names like Kaya. As a given name, Cay has been in occasional use since the early 20th century, often as a feminine variant.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Cay
Names that share Cay's style, for a brother or sister.
