Jay Name Meaning

The meaning of the name Jay is “cheerful” or “joyful,” reflecting its origins as a nickname for John. The name Jay suggests happiness, positivity, and a zest for life, making it a great choice for parents who are looking for a name that reflects their son’s character.

Origins of the Name Jay

The name Jay is of Latin and French origin, and it’s derived from the Latin name “Gaius.” This charming name has a rich history, and it’s a great choice for parents who are looking for a name that’s classic and modern at the same time.

History of the Name Jay

The name Jay has been around for centuries, with roots in Latin and French. In the Middle Ages, Jay was used as a nickname for John, and it was also used as a given name in its own right. Over time, the name evolved into the modern spelling of Jay, and it’s now used as a given name in many different countries around the world.

Popularity of the Name Jay

The name Jay has been popular for many years, and it’s now a common name for boys in the United States. According to the Social Security Administration, the name Jay was the 329th most popular name for boys born in the United States in 2020. The popularity of the name Jay is likely due to its short and sweet sound, as well as its association with happiness, positivity, and a zest for life.

Jay is also the name of a bird, specifically the Blue Jay. This beautiful bird is known for its bright blue feathers, cheerful chirping, and energetic personality. So if you’re looking for a name for your little guy that’s as bright and cheerful as the bird it’s named after, Jay is a great choice!

Final Thoughts on the Name Jay

Jay is a name that’s got a lot of personality and a lot of style! With its roots in Latin and French, it’s a name that’s got a lot of history and a lot of meaning. Whether you’re looking for a name that’s classic and modern, or a name that’s got a lot of cheer, Jay is a great choice. So if you’re looking for a name for your little guy that’s as bright and cheerful as the bird it’s named after, consider the name Jay!

Infographic of Jay name meaning, which is A shortened form of Jason, Jay is an English name meaning to heal.
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Jay Name Popularity

How popular is the name Jay? Here’s everything we know.

Year Rank # Births % Births
1910 223 72 0.0204%
1911 237 75 0.0201%
1912 176 293 0.0581%
1913 189 323 0.057%
1914 213 336 0.0482%
1915 199 516 0.0568%
1916 183 607 0.0628%
1917 189 610 0.061%
1918 184 686 0.0639%
1919 195 617 0.0589%
1920 198 640 0.0576%
1921 175 801 0.07%
1922 177 767 0.0688%
1923 171 811 0.0724%
1924 170 819 0.0705%
1925 181 764 0.0676%
1926 175 795 0.0723%
1927 170 851 0.0769%
1928 185 735 0.0687%
1929 170 803 0.0775%
1930 167 862 0.0825%
1931 166 847 0.0858%
1932 163 900 0.0911%
1933 150 934 0.1003%
1934 156 907 0.0938%
1935 147 1,047 0.1077%
1936 140 1,075 0.1116%
1937 136 1,123 0.114%
1938 139 1,159 0.1132%
1939 141 1,129 0.111%
1940 139 1,273 0.1198%
1941 138 1,391 0.1236%
1942 133 1,570 0.1243%
1943 134 1,658 0.127%
1944 135 1,541 0.1243%
1945 125 1,741 0.1428%
1946 115 2,186 0.1481%
1947 118 2,431 0.1456%
1948 123 2,267 0.142%
1949 118 2,456 0.1527%
1950 115 2,572 0.1597%
1951 116 2,634 0.1554%
1952 106 3,023 0.1732%
1953 99 3,237 0.1829%
1954 101 3,368 0.1842%
1955 103 3,397 0.1847%
1956 92 4,117 0.218%
1957 88 4,629 0.2406%
1958 86 5,021 0.2657%
1959 87 4,938 0.2599%
1960 78 5,384 0.2842%
1961 81 5,120 0.2712%
1962 80 5,156 0.2808%
1963 85 4,720 0.2629%
1964 84 4,571 0.2597%
1965 89 3,945 0.2412%
1966 91 3,598 0.2304%
1967 87 3,614 0.2381%
1968 87 3,428 0.2283%
1969 94 3,182 0.2065%
1970 97 3,417 0.2147%
1971 114 2,861 0.1904%
1972 115 2,446 0.1796%
1973 118 2,217 0.171%
1974 109 2,363 0.1818%
1975 117 2,172 0.169%
1976 127 2,091 0.1622%
1977 130 2,091 0.1551%
1978 120 2,142 0.1593%
1979 125 2,146 0.1522%
1980 139 1,983 0.1356%
1981 153 1,782 0.1212%
1982 164 1,661 0.1112%
1983 169 1,532 0.1038%
1984 171 1,543 0.1037%
1985 174 1,511 0.0996%
1986 179 1,466 0.0971%
1987 182 1,468 0.0962%
1988 199 1,342 0.0861%
1989 203 1,415 0.0877%
1990 217 1,395 0.0842%
1991 234 1,246 0.0764%
1992 237 1,184 0.0742%
1993 258 1,087 0.0697%
1994 262 1,084 0.0706%
1995 277 982 0.0652%
1996 289 903 0.0603%
1997 296 912 0.0617%
1998 327 803 0.0537%
1999 326 818 0.0546%
2000 326 844 0.0552%
2001 310 872 0.0579%
2002 333 792 0.0529%
2003 346 773 0.0508%
2004 350 778 0.051%
2005 346 826 0.054%
2006 348 846 0.054%
2007 397 715 0.0453%
2008 395 729 0.0472%
2009 408 680 0.0455%
2010 405 655 0.0455%
2011 398 678 0.0476%
2012 384 737 0.0517%
2013 389 733 0.0515%
2014 367 817 0.0561%
2015 388 777 0.0534%
2016 389 775 0.0538%
2017 377 818 0.0586%
2018 392 760 0.0553%
2019 371 802 0.0592%
2020 382 758 0.0596%
2021 380 815 0.0667%
2022 367 860 0.0652%
2023 388 791 0.0611%

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Data via SSA.gov.

Names Like Jay

If you like Jay, you’ll love these other names like Jay.

What names are variants of Jay?

Mix it up with these names that are a variation of the name Jay.

Name Meaning Origin Popularity Other Gender
Jae

Blue crested bird; talent; riches

American, Asian, Latin

Jai

Blue crested bird

Latin

Jaye

Blue crested bird

Latin

Jayron

Blue crested bird

Latin

Jayronn

Blue crested bird

Latin

Jeh

Blue crested bird

Latin

What names sound like Jay?

If you like how Jay sounds, you might also like these names that sound like Jay.

Name Meaning Origin Popularity Other Gender
Way

Land by the road

English

What names are similar to Jay?

Find a name that’s like Jay, but just a little bit different.

Name Meaning Origin Popularity Other Gender
Jadrian

American

Jaylen

Created name

American

Lists With Jay

Find inspiration in these baby boy name lists featuring the name Jay.

9 Comments

  1. .

    Reply

  2. We chose the name Jay because it means rejoice! He is our first full-term baby after three prior pregnancy losses, and we are blessed and absolutely full of joy knowing that he is here safe and sound.

    Reply

  3. After giving brith to my son Jay, my other son and my husband went to the beach and were drawing names in the sand. We had chosen Joy for a girl and after awhile they drew Jay. And so he was named. It’s also a derivative of the name John and the meaning is fervent one. He’s now 34, I will pass this wonderful idea on!
    No nametags needed on Jay’s Peak!

    Reply

  4. It’s simple and nature themed at the same time. We named him after the blue jay!

    Reply

  5. I just read about the meeting of Kyles in Kyle, England, that topped out at about 750, and I wondered how many Jays would be interested in gathering at Jay Peak in New Hampshire, a resort for skiing in the winter (as well as an indoor water park) and summer activities in the summer, including an alpine slide (1 km or so sled ride down the mountain after a breathtaking ride up the chairlift). I was born in Vermont and grew up near Lake Winnipesaukee in N.H. and spent a lot of time in Maine, though I have lived from Alaska to New Zealand to Italy and many other placess over the years (oh yeah, I am 63 years young!) and have done at least 80,000 nm of my travels on small (under 70 feet) boats, mostly sailboats. I have also met a few female Jays, so come on! I am currently living in Mexico, so this wouldn’t be happening until 2026 or 2027. What do you think? Check out Jay Peak’s website and let me know what you think… Imagine a flock of Jays descending on Jay Peak. Also, I guarantee we would NOT be paying regular retail prices (friends in high places and all that). Hope to hear from you.

    Reply

    • I am wrong. Jay Peak is in Vermont!

      Reply

  6. It’s a great name

    Reply

  7. His dad chose the name

    Reply

    • cool

      Reply

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