Gay
Germanic · Girl · 1 syllable
Popularity & facts
Relative popularity index, 2010–2025Popularity over time
Popularity indexHistorical popularity from 1880–2025 · US Social Security Administration data
About the name Gay
The given name 'Gay' originates from the Old French word *gai* meaning "joyful" or "lively," ultimately from a Germanic root.
This meaning was compiled with AI assistance and is awaiting community review. Know this name well? Help verify or improve it.
Etymology
The given name 'Gay' originates from the Old French word *gai* meaning "joyful" or "lively," ultimately from a Germanic root. It has been used primarily in English-speaking cultures, notably as a medieval nickname or short form of names like Gabriel, and saw a decline in popularity after the 20th-century shift in the word's primary association.
Gay currently ranks #9,597 in the United States as a girl's name. It reached its peak popularity around 1959.
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Sibling name ideas
English names that sit beautifully beside GaySimilar names you might like
Names starting with GMore names starting with G
- Gains
- Garnel
- Gailard
- Gandolfo
- Geargia
- Garden
- Gayton
- Garik
- Garlin
- Gareld
- Gaynol
- Gaythel
- Gadriel
- Gaige
- Garna
- Galen
- Galveston
- Garvice
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