jay

Jay is a given name, surname, and nickname used in English and other languages. It is commonly a standalone name but is also often a diminutive of names such as Jason, Jai, or other given names. The name can derive from the jay, a member of the Corvidae family, or be used simply as a phonetic spelling of the letter J in English. As a surname, Jay appears in various cultures but is less common than as a given name.

In biology, jay refers to a group of medium-sized birds known for intelligence and vocalization. Notable species include the blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata) of North America and the Eurasian jay (Garrulus glandarius) found across Europe and Asia. Jays are recognized for their bold behavior and social complexity, traits that have shaped their presence in folklore and culture.

Notable people named Jay include Jay Leno, American comedian and former host of The Tonight Show; Jay-Z (Shawn Carter), American rapper and entrepreneur; Jay Baruchel, Canadian actor and writer; and Jay Chou, Taiwanese singer, songwriter, and actor. In fiction, Jay Garrick is the original DC Comics character known as The Flash. The name Jay remains widely used across cultures and can appear across genders and professions.