Key

♂ Boy

Pronounced KEE /ˈki/High

Meaning: A modern name from the English word 'key' (a fastening/opening tool, and a low island 'cay'); also an English/Irish surname and a short form of Key- names; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: A key; a surname: Key is a modern one-syllable name. Crisp and bold (said 'KEE'). Routes layered.

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Origin LowEnglish, Modern coinage

MeaningA modern name from the English word 'key' (a fastening/opening tool, and a low island 'cay'); also an English/Irish surname and a short form of Key- names; routes layered

U.S. rank (2024)#10400 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births7 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1993

Total births (all-time)≈ 166

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

Key reads as a modern name from the English word 'key' (a fastening/opening tool, and a low island 'cay'), also an English/Irish surname and a short form of Key- names (routes layered). A crisp name (said 'KEE').

In the U.S. it appears very rarely. Rare, a word/surname-name, and crisp.

Did you know? Key is a modern name from the English word 'key' (also a low island, 'cay'), also an English/Irish surname and a short form of Key- names — a crisp choice (routes layered; said 'KEE').

Overall data confidence 34%

References — Key — English word/surname; routes layered

Variations

KeeKeyz

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Key…

Kai— a fellow short boys' name

Cash— a companion word-name

Ace— a sound-adjacent word-name

Koy— shares Key's English roots

Sky— echoes that soft -y sound

Explore names like Key

By themeuncertain modern english

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Key mean?

Key is a modern name from the English word 'key' (also a low island, 'cay'), and an English/Irish surname. The routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Key?

It's said KEE /ˈki/ — one syllable.

Is Key a boy or girl name?

Key is a boy's name here (it is used for both).

How popular is Key?

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