Jay: Name Meaning, Origin, and Popularity

Pronunciation: JAY
Origin: Unisex
gender-female

Emmy Samtani

Emmy Samtani

Emmy is the founder of Kiindred and mother to 3 little ones. Over the last 4 years, she has worked with some of the most credible experts in the parenting space and is a keen contributor on all things parenthood.
Updated on Jul 01, 2025 · 1 min read
Region Origin: English, Indian
Meaning: Jay means "victory" or "blue jay," which is a type of bird.

Jay is a given name traditionally associated with males, although it has seen occasional use as a gender-neutral or female name. The name has its roots in English-speaking regions and is often linked to the jaybird, a bird known for its vibrant plumage and lively nature. This association with the bird symbolizes qualities such as curiosity, intelligence, and adaptability. In the realm of contemporary culture, the name Jay has been carried by several notable figures. Among them is Jay Leno, the acclaimed comedian and former host of "The Tonight Show," who is renowned for his quick wit and engaging personality. Another prominent individual bearing this name is Jay-Z, the influential rapper, producer, and entrepreneur, whose contributions to music and business have left a significant mark on the industry. The name Jay, with its concise and dynamic nature, continues to be a popular choice among parents, appreciated for its simplicity and the vibrant energy it conveys.

Jay Name Popularity Data

chat-overall Jay is currently #19206 in the popularity of the name rankings.
gender-female Girl: Jay is currently #10912 on Kiindred Girl Names
gender-male Overall Nature: Jay is currently #8792 on Kiindred Nature Names
gender-female Girl Nature: Jay is currently #4957 on Kiindred Girl Nature Names

Popularity Trend Chart

Source: Social Security Administration

Baby Names A-Z

Wikipedia, NSW Births Deaths and Marriages, QLD Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages, WA Registry of Births, SA Registry of Births, VIC Registry of Births, Social Security Administration

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