Given name & surname
Kaye
“filled with happiness; rejoicing”
In English use, Kaye is a variant of Kay. One Welsh interpretation is “filled with happiness; rejoicing.” Its derivation is not certain.
Meaning & origin
What it means
In English use, Kaye is a variant of Kay. One Welsh interpretation is “filled with happiness; rejoicing.” Its derivation is not certain.
Explained through its name family
Where it comes from
In English use, Kaye is a variant of Kay. A possible origin is Latin, although the derivation remains uncertain.
Explained through its name family
The story
Published U.S. birth records include this spelling as early as 1901. This is the earliest published observation available here, rather than a date for the name’s origin.
From dated birth records
Kaye through the years
- Babies since 1880
- 13,707
- 503 boys · 13,204 girls
- Most popular year
- 1947
- 547 babies
- 2025
- 18
- #6,442 for girls
- 2021–25 vs 2016–20
- +31%
- Rising
Boys, girls and both
The balance of boys and girls given this name has shifted over time. Recent births are 0% boys.
By the numbers
In 2025, this name appeared in 18 U.S. birth records for girls, ranking No. 6,442 among girls’ names. Average annual use for girls was 30.6% higher in 2021–2025 than in 2016–2020. Its largest published annual count for girls was 538 in 1947. Published U.S. population figures for this spelling include 10,908 as a first name in 2020; 8,244 as a surname in 2020.
From Social Security birth records and U.S. Census name counts for this exact spelling. Other spellings are counted separately.
Inner ring: spellings · outer: nicknames and forms.
Nicknames & forms 1
Diminutives, pet forms, short forms and variants used alongside the name.
Spellings & scripts 1
The same name written differently, including transliterations into other scripts.
People named Kaye
- Kaye HallAmerican swimmer, Olympic gold medalist, former world record-holder, art teacherborn 1951
- Kaye BallardAmerican actress, comedian, and singer (1925–2019)
- Kaye AbadFilipino actressborn 1982
- Kaye StevensAmerican singer and actress (1932-2011)
- Kaye CoppoolseDutch professional footballerborn 1991
- Kaye ScottAustralian boxerborn 1984
- Kaye Lani Rae RafkoAmerican nurseborn 1963
- Kaye ElhardtAmerican actress (1935-2004)
- Kaye DonIrish racing driver1891–1981
Listed by how widely each person is written about, which says nothing about the name itself.
Similar names
If you love Kaye, these share its style, era, origin or sound, from outside its own family.
Raye
“son of grace” · “a wise protector”
>99% girls
Karolyn
>99% girls
Sue
“resembling a graceful white lily” · “having an excellent, long life”
>99% girls
Dianne
Dianne is a feminine given name from Latin.
>99% girls
Carol
“a joyous song; a small, strong woman” · “a free man”
>99% girls
Carole
“a joyous song; a small, strong woman”
>99% girls
Jeanne
“God is gracious”
>99% girls
Kathlyn
>99% girls