In English-speaking countries, it is usually a female name, often a short form of Katherine or one of its variants; but, it is also used as a first name in its own right, and (more often in non-English speakers) as a boy's name (for example in India).

The Kay family name was found in the USA, the UK, Canada, and Scotland between 1840 and 1920. South Carolina had the highest population of Kay families in 1840. The most Kay families were found in the UK in 1891. As a male name, its root is found in the Latin gai (rejoiced). The derivation being from Old French word "kaye" meaning quay.

The name Kay (/kay/) is found both as a surname (see Kay (surname)) and as a given name. In Greek Baby Names the meaning of the name Kay is: Glory. From A World of Baby Names by Teresa Norman. The most Kay families were found in the UK in 1891. …

Origin of the name Kay: As a female name, Kay originated as a pet form of any of the various names beginning with the letter K. It is now commonly bestowed as an independent given name. Thirdly, it may be of Celtic origin, from the Welsh given name "Cai", or the Cornish "Key", a name borne by the boastful brother of the famous King Arthur.

The name Kay is a Greek Baby Names baby name.

In 1840 there were 28 Kay families living in South Carolina.

The Kay family name was found in the USA, the UK, Canada, and Scotland between 1840 and 1920. Secondly, it may be of French origin, and a topographical name for someone who lived by a wharf or was employed on one.

Irish Baby Names Meaning: The name Kay is an Irish Baby Names baby name. This was about 18% of all the recorded Kay's in the USA. Sir Kay, King Arthur's foster brother and knight of the Round Table

In 1911 there were 515 Kay families living in Ontario. Comments and insights on the name Kay Personal experiences with the name Kay Nicknames for Kay Meanings and history of the name Kay Famous real-life people named Kay Kay in song, story & screen. This was about 50% of all the recorded Kay's in Canada.