Kay

Kay is a name used in several contexts, including as a given name, a surname, and in place names. It has multiple origins and appears in various languages.

As a given name, Kay is most commonly feminine in English-speaking countries, often as a nickname for Katherine or Kathleen, but it also exists as a standalone name. It is used for males in some cultures as well. In Arthurian legend, Sir Kay is a prominent knight, a character often simply called Kay.

As a surname, Kay occurs across cultures, including English-speaking and Jewish communities, and may derive from personal names, place names, or occupational origins depending on lineage. The string Kay also features in the names of towns, rivers, and other geographic features in different countries.

In modern usage, Kay appears in branding and popular culture, notably Kay Jewelers in the United States. The name also appears in various media as a given name or character name, and is related to several similar forms such as Kai and Kaye.