Coy is a unique and intriguing given name that originated from American English. Its exact origins are unclear, but it is believed to have emerged in the southern United States during the early-to-mid 20th century.
The meaning of Coy has been attributed to several interpretations over time. Some sources suggest that Coy means "shy" or "bashful," possibly referring to its similarity with the word "coyote," which shares these qualities in some Native American cultures. However, this connection is not definitive and may simply be based on coincidence.
Despite its uncertain beginnings, Coy has been used as a given name for both males and females throughout the latter half of the 20th century and into the early 21st century. It gained popularity during the 1950s and 1960s, particularly in the American South, but it remains relatively rare compared to other names.
One notable figure named Coy is Coy Watson Corbett (1893-1943), an American boxer who was a world heavyweight champion from 1921 to 1922. His parents gave him this unique name, which has contributed to its recognition in popular culture and history.
In conclusion, Coy is an unusual yet captivating given name with roots in the southern United States. Its meaning may be linked to shyness or bashfulness, but its true origins remain somewhat mysterious. Regardless of its unclear beginnings, Coy has left a unique mark on American naming trends and continues to intrigue those who encounter it today.
The statistics provided show the annual number of births with the name Coy in the United States from 1880 to 2023.
Over this period of 143 years, there have been a total of 17,103 babies named Coy born in the U.S. The first recorded birth was in 1880 with only 6 newborns sharing the name Coy. This number varied significantly throughout the years, with some years seeing as many as 246 births (in 1918) and others having none at all.
The popularity of the name Coy seemed to peak around the early to mid-1900s, with consistent numbers of babies being named Coy each year. However, it's important to note that there was a decline in popularity towards the late 20th century, with fewer than 100 births per year from 1965 onwards.
Despite this decline, the name Coy has continued to be used consistently throughout the years, with an average of around 78 births per year since 1980. The most recent data shows that there were 121 babies named Coy born in the U.S. in 2022 and 104 in 2023.
These statistics provide insight into the enduring, albeit not widespread, popularity of the name Coy in the United States over the past century and a half.