Jay is a moderately popular boys' name in United States, ranking #367 in 2022 with 897 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 1997 with 946 births ranking #292. In 2022, approximately 1 in every 1,945 boys born was named Jay. STABLE Recent data shows the name is currently stable.
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.