Kay
Girl name · 566 babies recorded · 1974–2025
Kay: 566 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 43 births in 1974.
The name Kay has several distinct origins, most commonly serving as a short form of Katherine, from the Greek *katharos* meaning "pure," or as a variant of the Gaelic *Aodh* meaning "fire." In Arthurian legend, Sir Kay is the brusque, loyal foster-brother of King Arthur, a figure whose name likely derives from the Welsh *Cai*. Notable bearers include the English-born actress Kay Francis, a Hollywood star of the 1930s, and the American singer Kay Starr. The name also shares its root with the Scottish surname Kay and the Irish surname McKee. For parents drawn to short, punchy names, Kay remains a versatile, unisex choice that has seen consistent use in Scotland.
Girl 34 of 52 years
- Peak year
- 197443 babies
- Latest (2009)
- #5126 babies
- Total births
- 566since 1974
- 5-year trend
- ▼ 27%vs prior 5y