Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Kay
GirlEnglish· “short form of names beginning with K”
- Meaning
- short form of names beginning with K
- Origin
- English
- Pronunciation
- KAY
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #3,946
- US babies 2025
- 37
- Best rank
- #70 (1941)
- Peak year
- 1942
Meaning and origin of Kay
Kay is an English name that is usually said to mean “short form of names beginning with K”.
Kay is a short name with several sources. It began as a short form of names starting with K, such as Katherine, and it was used as an independent name in the twentieth century. In Arthurian legend, Sir Kay is King Arthur's foster brother and seneschal, often shown as boastful and sharp-tongued. The name may also come from the Latin Caius. It is pronounced KAY. Kay is often used as a middle name, and its simplicity pairs well with longer first names. It has a vintage charm.
Other spellings with the same sound: Kaye.
Popularity over time
Kay first appears in US Social Security records in 1885. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 92 different years, starting in 1885. Its best national rank was #70 in 1941, and the most babies received it in 1942, when 3,622 were named Kay. In 2025, 37 babies were named Kay, and it ranked #3,946 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #370 in 1920, #123 in 1950, #969 in 1980, #2,163 in 2000, #3,443 in 2010, and #3,946 in 2025. Of the 98,621 US girls named Kay since records began, 33% were born in the 1940s, its biggest decade. The 1950s come next, with 24,645 babies. Since 2010, 758 more have been named Kay.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Joann, Patsy, Maryann, Priscilla, and Faye.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Kay ranked highest in Texas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | #3559 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 90% of US babies named Kay over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Kay is usually pronounced KAY, with one syllable. It has three letters, starts with K and ends in “-ay”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Kaye.
Middle names for Kay
A few middle names that flow with Kay: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Kay
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Lists that include Kay
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kay mean?
Kay is an English name that is usually said to mean “short form of names beginning with K”.
What is the origin of the name Kay?
Kay has English roots. Kay is a short name with several sources.
Is Kay a popular name?
Not especially. Kay ranked #3,946 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Kay a boy or girl name?
Kay is mainly a girl's name. About 90% of US babies named Kay over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Kay?
Kay is usually pronounced KAY. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings