A 1940s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Kaye since 1901
Babies named Kaye per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 18 |
| 1910s | 181 |
| 1920s | 293 |
| 1930s | 1,442 |
| 1940s | 4,334 |
| 1950s | 3,537 |
| 1960s | 2,008 |
| 1970s | 495 |
| 1980s | 374 |
| 1990s | 209 |
| 2000s | 138 |
| 2010s | 101 |
| 2020s | 74 |
Meaning & origin
Kaye is a concise feminine name that most likely began as a short form of Katherine. It was first recorded for girls in the United States in 1901, reaching its peak popularity in 1943. After declining for decades, the name has been rising again since 2010, appearing in 2025 at a rank of 6,325 with a rate of 1 in 89,293 newborns. Its revival aligns with a broader midcentury naming trend, and the spelling distinguishes it from the more common Kay.
Kaye is likely a spelling variant of Kay, itself a short form of Katherine. It emerged in the late 19th century and saw peak usage in the 1940s. The name Kay was also used as a given name for boys, but Kaye has been predominantly feminine in modern times.
Where Kaye is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Kay
Sibling names for Kaye
Names that share Kaye's style, for a brother or sister.
