Jay (given name)
| Gender | Male, Unisex |
|---|---|
| Origin | |
| Meaning | nickname for names beginning with the letter J, "intelligent," "joyful," "cheerful," "victory," "triumph" |
| Other names | |
| Related names | John, Jason, Jaylin, Jacob, Jake, Jack, James, Jamie, Jadon, Jayden |
Jay (or Jai) is a masculine given name that can also be used as a unisex name or a nickname. It has multiple origins and meanings, commonly associated with intelligence, cheerfulness and victory. The name is often used on its own or as a shortened form of longer names. The spelling 'Jai' is common in South Asia.
In English, Jay is derived from the name of the jaybird, a colorful and intelligent bird known for its lively nature. The name became popular in English-speaking countries during the 19th and 20th centuries, often symbolizing quick thinking, playfulness, and individuality. It may also have roots in Old French from the name Gai, meaning "joyful" or "cheerful". In the United States, the name experienced its first surge in popularity due to John Jay, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.
In Sanskrit, Jay or Jai means "victory" or "triumph" and is commonly used in Indian culture. It is often associated with success, strength, and overcoming challenges. The name has historical significance in Hinduism and Indian traditions, where it appears in religious texts and is used in names such as Jayendra and Jayant.