How Popular (or Rare) was Jay in 2023?

🇬🇧 England & Wales • Boy

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#494
2023 Rank
80
2023 Births
#59
Best Rank (2001)
983
Peak Year (2001)
14,694
Total Births (1996-2025)
1 in 3,458
Rarity Factor (2023)
Popularity Position
Top 8%
Among UK boys' names in 2023
Moderately Popular · 1 in 3,458 births

📊 The Jay Story

Jay is a moderately popular boys' name in England & Wales, ranking #494 in 2023 with 80 recorded births. This places Jay in the top 8% of ranked UK boys' names for the year. Its actual usage is classified as Moderately Popular. The name reached its all-time peak in 2001 with 983 births ranking #59. Since 1996, the popularity has decreased by 87.5%. In 2023, approximately 1 in every 3,458 boys born was named Jay. FALLING Recent data shows the name is currently falling.

Popularity Trend (1996–2025)

📅 Data Status: Official verified statistics are currently available from 1996 up to 2025. This report reflects the most recent confirmed data from England & Wales; 2026 and 2027 projections are based on real-time search trends and will be finalized upon the next official release.

Name Meaning & Origin

Origin: English short-form and word-name use  |  Meaning: varies; often linked with joy or victory through short-form use

Jay is a simple, bright name that works both as a short form and as a full stand-alone choice. Its exact meaning depends on which longer name, if any, a family has in mind.

The name's flexibility has helped it stay popular for decades. It can feel traditional, modern, casual, or nature-linked all at once.

Did you know?Jay is one of the rare ultra-short names that can belong naturally to several different naming families at the same time.
Similar namesJace, Jack, Jake, Jax, Jude

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