Kay is a unisex name of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic word "Caoimhín", which means "gentle". It has been used as both a boy's and girl's name in English-speaking countries for many years. The name Kay was particularly popular during the mid-20th century but has since become less common.
The name Caoimhín, from which Kay is derived, has a long history in Irish culture and folklore. It is often associated with Saint Caomhin of Kilkenny, who lived in the 6th century. According to legend, Saint Caomhin was known for his kindness and compassion towards others, qualities that are reflected in the meaning of his name.
In literature, the name Kay has been used by several authors, most notably in J.M. Barrie's classic novel "Peter Pan", where one of the main characters is named Kay. This helped to popularize the name in English-speaking countries during the early 20th century.
Overall, Kay is a unique and historic name with a strong connection to Scottish and Irish culture. Its gentle meaning makes it appealing to parents looking for a name that reflects kindness and compassion. Despite its decline in popularity in recent years, Kay remains an attractive option for those seeking a distinctive unisex name with a rich history behind it.
The name Kay experienced significant popularity fluctuations over time. From 1882 to 1940, it was consistently popular with at least 5 births per year, peaking in the late 1920s and early 1930s with over 150 births annually. However, starting from the mid-1940s, its popularity began to decline drastically, reaching a low of only 5 births per year by the late 1970s. Despite some minor fluctuations, Kay has remained relatively uncommon since then, with less than 10 births per year on average. Overall, there were approximately 3900 babies named Kay from 1882 to 2023.