John Kay

Name meaning, origin and global statistics

John Kay — God is gracious
4.9 million People worldwide
United States Most common in
1970s Peak popularity
Gender
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John Kay is a name that combines Hebrew origins. The first name John is a masculine given name of Hebrew origin. From Hebrew Yohanan (יוֹחָנָן), meaning "God is gracious." One of the most consistently popular names in the Western world throughout history. The surname Kay: Kay is an English surname. It derives from the Old Breton and Welsh cai and the Cornish key meaning "wharf", or from the Old English coeg meaning "key". The surname is also a diminutive of MacKay and McKay. In England, the Kay(e)s of Lancashire and Yorkshire are believed to be related to the ancient Kaye family of Woodesham, Yorkshire, and there is also a Kay Family Association. Alan Kay, American computer scientist and visionary Alec Kay (1879–1917), Scottish footballer Alex J. John is one of the most widespread first names worldwide, carried by approximately 4.9 million people globally, with the highest concentration in United States. The name John reached peak popularity in the 1970s, reflecting the naming trends of that era.

Etymology & Origin

First Name: John

Meaning: God is gracious

Hebrew

From Hebrew Yohanan (יוֹחָנָן), meaning "God is gracious." One of the most consistently popular names in the Western world throughout history.

Surname: Kay

English

Kay is an English surname. It derives from the Old Breton and Welsh cai and the Cornish key meaning "wharf", or from the Old English coeg meaning "key". The surname is also a diminutive of MacKay and McKay. In England, the Kay(e)s of Lancashire and Yorkshire are believed to be related to the ancient Kaye family of Woodesham, Yorkshire, and there is also a Kay Family Association. Alan Kay, American computer scientist and visionary Alec Kay (1879–1917), Scottish footballer Alex J.

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Geographic Distribution

The first name John is distributed across the globe, with the highest concentrations in the following countries:

United States 51%
United Kingdom 15%
Australia 8%
Canada 9%
Brazil 10%
Israel 6%

Popularity Over Time

Popularity of the name John by decade, based on birth registration data:

1900s
1910s
1920s
1930s
1940s
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
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Name Variants & Related Names

The name John has several variants and related forms across different languages and cultures:

  • Johnny
  • Jack
  • Jonah
  • Jonathan
  • Sean
  • Evan
  • Ivan
  • Johann

Notable People Named John Kay

People listed above share this name. Listed for informational purposes only. Source: Wikipedia.

Numerology

According to Pythagorean numerology, each letter in a name carries a numerical value. Here are the key numbers for John Kay:

3
Expression Number

Creativity and self-expression. Associated with artistic flair, optimism and sociability — a natural communicator.

7
Soul Urge Number

Wisdom and introspection. A deep, analytical mind drawn to philosophy, spirituality and the search for truth.

5
Personality Number

Freedom and adaptability. A dynamic, versatile personality that embraces change and seeks new experiences.

Numerology is a cultural tradition for exploring symbolism in names. Results are for entertainment purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of the first name John?
The first name John originates from Hebrew. From Hebrew Yohanan (יוֹחָנָן), meaning "God is gracious." One of the most consistently popular names in the Western world throughout history.
When was John most popular?
The name John reached its peak popularity during the 1970s.
What is the origin of the surname Kay?
The surname Kay originates from English. Kay is an English surname. It derives from the Old Breton and Welsh cai and the Cornish key meaning "wharf", or from the Old English coeg meaning "key". The surname is also a diminutive of MacKay and McKay. In England, the Kay(e)s of Lancashire and Yorkshire are believed to be related to the ancient Kaye family of Woodesham, Yorkshire, and there is also a Kay Family Association. Alan Kay, American computer scientist and visionary Alec Kay (1879–1917), Scottish footballer Alex J.
What are the origins of the name John Kay?
The name John Kay combines two different traditions: the first name John has Hebrew roots, while the surname Kay originates from English.
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