Jay
jay
US Popularity:716
Origin:Latin
Meaning:Blue-crested bird; Heel of the foot; Supplanter; Healer
Long before Jayson, Jayden, and Jaylin became popular, there was Jay—a simple and straightforward name with Latin origins. Meaning "blue-crested bird," it may also be a short version of the Hebrew moniker James, meaning "heel of the foot" or "supplanter," or Jason, meaning "healer." The name goes back at least to the late 18th century when John Jay, a founding father of the United States, was the impetus for so many babies getting his surname as a first name. Jay was at the height of popularity and a Top 100 hit during the 1950s through the mid-1970s. Since then, Jay ranking has dropped considerably, but here's hoping someday the name flies high again.
Famous People Named Jay
Wondering who else shares this name? Check out these well known people who made this baby name famous.
- Jay LenoComedian
Jay Name Popularity Data
The Bump Ranking
Overall:Jay is currently #1130 on The Bump
Boy:Jay is currently #819 on The Bump Boy Names
Girl:Jay is currently #625 on The Bump Girl Names
U.S. Births
Overall:Jay is currently #716 in U.S. births
Boy:Jay is currently #731 in U.S. births
Girl:Jay is currently #14295 in U.S. births
Yearly Ranking Change:
Year:
2022
Gender:
Girl
#14306
in 2022
+ 623
from 2021
Sources
Ancestry, Jay Family History
WordSense, Jay
Behind the Name, Jay (1), January 2019
WordSense, James
Abarim Publications, Jason meaning
Britannica, jay, bird, June 2020
Britannica, John Jay, United States statesman and chief justice, January 2024
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