Holding steady.
Popularity of Chantay since 1960
Babies named Chantay per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 403 |
| 1970s | 257 |
| 1980s | 306 |
| 1990s | 135 |
| 2000s | 7 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Chantay first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1960, a period when inventive spellings and phonetically attractive names were gaining popularity. The name reached its peak usage in 1961, after which it quickly faded, and by the latest data year (2025) it is no longer in common use. The trajectory classification of 'stable' reflects its low and consistent frequency after the initial spike. Because the name never reached the top 1,000 nationally, no top states could be identified and the 1-in-N ratio is not available. Chantay remains a rare and distinctive choice, a product of mid-century American naming creativity.
Chantay is a modern American name that emerged in the 1960s, likely a respelling or phonetic variation of Chantal, itself a French name derived from a place name meaning 'stony place.' It may also have been influenced by the French word 'chanter' (to sing). Its popularity peaked briefly in 1961 before declining to little use.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Channy, Tay
Sibling names for Chantay
Names that share Chantay's style, for a brother or sister.
