Kay

♂ Boy

Pronounced KAY /ˈkeɪ/High

Meaning: Variously the Arthurian Sir Kay (from the Welsh Cai, perhaps 'rejoice') and a short form of K- names; used for both sexes; here for boys; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: An Arthurian knight; rejoice: Kay is the knight Sir Kay (and a K- short form). Crisp, modern, and warm. Used for both sexes (here for boys).

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Origin LowWelsh, English

MeaningVariously the Arthurian Sir Kay (from the Welsh Cai, perhaps 'rejoice') and a short form of K- names; used for both sexes; here for boys; routes layered

U.S. rank (2025)#7951 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births10 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1934

Total births (all-time)≈ 3,924

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

Kay is variously the name of Sir Kay — King Arthur's foster-brother and steward, from the Welsh Cai (perhaps 'rejoice') — and a short form of K- names (routes layered, which we note). A crisp, modern name, used for both sexes, here for boys (slug distinguished).

It registers thinly for boys. Rare, an-Arthurian-knight-or-a-K-name at the root, and crisp.

Did you know? Kay is the name of Sir Kay, King Arthur's foster-brother and seneschal (from the Welsh Cai, perhaps 'rejoice') — and a short form of K- names — a crisp, modern name, used for both sexes (here for boys; the routes are layered; said 'KAY').

Overall data confidence 45%

References — Kay — routes layered

Variations

CaiKaiKaye

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Kay…

Cai— the Welsh form

Kai— a sound-neighbor short boys' name

Rey— a fellow short boys' name

Jay— another short boys' name

Explore names like Kay

By themeuncertain english unisex welsh

By meaningSnow / Winter

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Kay mean?

Kay is variously the Arthurian Sir Kay (Welsh Cai, perhaps 'rejoice') and a K- short form; the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Kay?

It's said KAY /ˈkeɪ/ — one syllable.

Is Kay a boy or girl name?

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

How popular is Kay?

Kay is a rare name for boys in the U.S.