Kaye

Kaye is a unisex given name and surname of English and Gaelic origins. It is often derived from the Gaelic word "cath/aigh," meaning "brilliant, clear, and victorious," or the Old English word "cay," meaning "fire" or "flame." As a given name, Kaye has been associated with qualities of bravery and energy.

As a surname, Kaye has various origins and spellings, including Kay, Kaye, Kayes, and Ky, which are often found in English-speaking countries. One notable family of Kayes were Scottish lairds, dating back to the 17th century. In the United Kingdom, Kaye is an uncommon surname, with most bearers found in England and Scotland.

One of the most notable individuals bearing the given name Kaye is the American opera singer Kaye Ballard, born in 1926. A stage and television actress, Ballard was best known for her portrayal of "Mitzi in" The Mothers-in-Law.

In computing, Kaye is also associated with Kaye Pairs, a class of graphics file formats used in the 1980s. These formats allowed for storing graphics and text data.

The name Kaye has been used in various guises throughout history, reflecting a range of cultural and linguistic influences. As both a given name and surname, Kaye remains an interesting example of linguistic evolution, influenced by Celtic and Germanic languages.