Bay

♀ Girl

Pronounced BAY /ˈbeɪ/High

Meaning: From the word bay — variously 'a small body of water; an inlet' and 'the bay laurel tree' (a symbol of honor); a modern nature/word-name; used for both sexes; here for girlsLow

In 30 seconds: A bay; the bay laurel: Bay is a nature/word-name. Crisp, fresh, and warm. Used for both sexes (here for girls; said 'BAY').

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Origin LowEnglish

MeaningFrom the word bay — variously 'a small body of water; an inlet' and 'the bay laurel tree' (a symbol of honor); a modern nature/word-name; used for both sexes; here for girls

U.S. rank (2025)#12106 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births7 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2014

Total births (all-time)≈ 523

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Bay comes from the word bay — variously 'a small body of water; an inlet' and 'the bay laurel tree', whose leaves crowned victors and poets. A crisp, fresh nature/word-name, used for both sexes, here for girls (slug distinguished).

It registers thinly in records. Rare, a-bay-and-the-laurel at the root, and fresh.

Did you know? Bay names 'a small body of water; an inlet' and 'the bay laurel tree' (a symbol of honor) — a crisp, fresh nature/word-name, used for both sexes (here for girls; said 'BAY').

Overall data confidence 40%

References — Bay — word/nature origin

Variations

BayeBaylor

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

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Explore names like Bay

By themeuncertain english unisex word-name nature-name

By meaningSea / Water Earth / Nature Honor

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Bay mean?

Bay is a nature/word-name — 'a small body of water' and 'the bay laurel tree'.

How do you pronounce Bay?

It's said BAY /ˈbeɪ/ — one syllable.

Is Bay a boy or girl name?

Bay is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a girl's name.

How popular is Bay?

Bay is a very rare name in the U.S.