A 1960s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Jay since 1880
Babies named Jay per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 1,016 |
| 1890s | 918 |
| 1900s | 926 |
| 1910s | 4,455 |
| 1920s | 8,054 |
| 1930s | 10,217 |
| 1940s | 18,655 |
| 1950s | 36,969 |
| 1960s | 42,712 |
| 1970s | 23,971 |
| 1980s | 15,841 |
| 1990s | 10,686 |
| 2000s | 8,167 |
| 2010s | 7,924 |
| 2020s | 5,037 |
Meaning & origin
Jay has been recorded in the United States since at least 1880, when official records began. It reached its peak popularity in 1960, ranking among the most common boys' names. The name then declined in use for several decades but has experienced a revival since 2009, contributing to a steady upward trajectory. Jay has been particularly favored in states like South Dakota, Utah, and Maine. As a short, one-syllable name with a clean sound, it has remained a familiar choice, often chosen as a standalone name or a nickname with independent standing.
Jay originated as a nickname for names like Jason and James, and also refers to the bird species. It gained independent use in the 19th century in the United States and became particularly popular in the mid-20th century.
Where Jay is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Jay” around the world
Where Jay lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
20
babies in 2024
Ireland
14
babies in 2025
New Zealand
15
babies in 2025
Quebec
8
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Jaye
Sibling names for Jay
Names that share Jay's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Kay, Rae, Mae, Leigh, Dawn, Fay, Kamya, Kaye, Lyn, Bee, Beyonce, Jamee, Jaye, Junie, Layah, Naiya, Raye, Rayla, Samaira, Toi, Ame, Canary, Gae, Jaiya, Jewelia, Judee, Jyl, Kae, Kimaya, Roe, See, Starling, Tajae, Tiya, Acy, Ajee, Ajooni, Cay, Deetya, Jaisa, Ly, Mee, Navany, Ree, Swan, Teyah, Tikia, Vihana, Ditya, Jadi, Ezma, Javia, Jaynell, Jiah, Jode, Krisna, Mahiya, Naw, Neyah, Saesha, Sashay, Shantai, Simrin
Brothers: Roy, Ray, Lee, Dean, Lloyd, Dee, Lou, Aj, Cj, Cy, De, Kee, San, Amay, Ason, Bj, Chay, Chee, Coye, Deno, Ja, Jac, Oz, Sohum, Vir, Wray, Yeng, Ceejay, Coe, Daivik, Deep, Dre, Jayan, Jw, Ky, Mj, Pao, Tyan, Vardaan, Key, Akaash, Cha, Clee, Dejay, Ej, Ejay, Eljay, Ell, Hy, Jaque, Jigar, Kaveer, Khush, Savan, Tejay
Names like Jay
Names whose popularity has moved with Jay's over the last 50 years.
