Tay

♂ Boy

Pronounced TAY /ˈteɪ/High

Meaning: A short form of Taylor ('a tailor') and Tyler ('a tile-maker'); also a Scottish river name (the Tay); used for both sexes; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: A short form of Taylor/Tyler: Tay is English. Crisp, modern, and warm. Used for both sexes.

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Origin LowEnglish

MeaningA short form of Taylor ('a tailor') and Tyler ('a tile-maker'); also a Scottish river name (the Tay); used for both sexes; routes layered

U.S. rank (2024)#8869 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births9 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2001

Total births (all-time)≈ 195

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

Tay is a short form of Taylor ('a tailor') and Tyler ('a tile-maker'); also a Scottish river name (the Tay; routes layered, which we note). Used for both sexes, here for a boy (slug distinguished; said 'TAY').

In the U.S. it appears as a modern short name. Rare, a-short-form, and crisp.

Did you know? Tay is a short form of Taylor ('a tailor') and Tyler ('a tile-maker'); also a Scottish river name — a crisp name, used for both sexes (the routes are layered, which we note; said 'TAY').

Overall data confidence 30%

References — Tay — nickname; unisex; routes layered

Variations

TaeTeyTaye

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Tay…

Taylor— a source name

Tyler— a source name

Trey— a sound-neighbor short boys' name

Jay— a fellow short boys' name

Explore names like Tay

By themeuncertain english unisex nickname-name

By meaningSea / Water

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Tay mean?

Tay is a short form of Taylor ('a tailor') and Tyler ('a tile-maker'); used for both sexes; here for a boy. The routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Tay?

It's said TAY /ˈteɪ/ — one syllable.

Is Tay a boy or girl name?

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

How popular is Tay?

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