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Kaye

Girl name · 132 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Kaye: 132 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 16 births in 1981.

Kaye is a name with several possible roots, most familiar to English and Scottish speakers as a variant of Kay, which itself may derive from the Old Norse *kári* meaning "curl" or "curly-haired" – a nod to a distinctive physical trait. It also echoes the Welsh *Cai*, the name of a knight in Arthurian legend. Noteworthy bearers include Kaye Stevens, the American singer and actress known for her work in classic film and TV, and Kaye Adams, the respected Scottish broadcaster and journalist. While no major place is directly named after a Kaye, the name is also a familiar surname across Scotland and England. A versatile choice, Kaye often appears as a middle name or a short form of Katherine, yet it stands perfectly well on its own as a crisp, understated first name with a timeless feel.