Boy · 113th of 10,718
Jay
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
197,300
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1960
Peak Popularity Year
5,427
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Jay stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
The name Jay has its roots in Latin, meaning joy or to rejoice. It has evolved from the Latin 'gaius' and has become a popular name in modern English. The name is often associated with positive traits such as creativity and individuality. There is no direct biblical relevance, and it gained prominence in the 20th century. Variants of the name include Jaye and Jai, and it is currently perceived as a youthful and modern name.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/dʒeɪ/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name Jay is derived from the Latin word 'gaius,' which means 'to rejoice.' It is also associated with the jaybird, a bird known for its vibrant colors and vocalizations.
Meaning
Joy, rejoice
Language Evolution
Gaius (Latin), Jay (Modern English)
Historical Usage
The name Jay gained popularity in the 20th century as a given name, often used as a short form or nickname.
Variants & Derivatives
Jaye, Jai
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, the name Jay is seen as a modern and youthful name, often associated with creativity and individuality.
Famous People
Jay Leno (American comedian and television host), Jay-Z (American rapper and music producer), Jay Inslee (American politician and governor of Washington)
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 5,427 peak births in 1960
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Utah
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 14 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 7 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 14 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 186th of 7545 | 11,718 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 146th of 6773 | 21,119 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 97th of 7552 | 71,283 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 113th of 10718 | 43,718 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 213th of 16616 | 21,906 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 361st of 24088 | 12,976 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 389th of 23106 | 9,964 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 1905th of 9107 | 345 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 1589th of 9204 | 455 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 1576th of 12526 | 838 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 2631st of 19264 | 459 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 5591st of 27321 | 236 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 12495th of 35406 | 110 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 9579th of 30306 | 127 |