Coye

Meaning & origin

Coye is a rare American given name that first appeared in records in 1915. Its peak usage came in 1916, the year after its debut, though it never entered the top 1,000 names. After a long period of obscurity, the name has seen a rising trajectory since 2022, possibly as parents seek short, surname-style names. The name's etymology is uncertain: it may be a variant of Coy, which could derive from the Old French word for 'quiet,' or it may simply be a transferred surname of English or Irish origin. While Coye has never been recorded in any US state's top names, its revival in recent years suggests a growing niche appeal. As a one-syllable, consonant-heavy name ending in 'e,' it fits the modern preference for concise and distinctive names.

Coye likely derives from the English surname Coye, which itself may be a variant of Coy. The surname Coy is of uncertain origin, possibly a nickname from Middle English coy 'quiet, shy' (from Old French coi). Alternatively, Coye could be a modern invented name or a variant of the Irish surname McCoy. The name has been in sporadic use as a given name in the United States since the early 20th century, never achieving widespread popularity.