Dejay
A boy's name with 137 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
When Dejay hit its peak of 11 births in 2017, social media, global pop culture, and a growing appetite for unique names were reshaping how American parents chose names.
Today, Dejay reads as a name tied to a specific era — which is exactly what draws some parents to it.
Dejay is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Dejay is a boy's baby name of Unknown origin, likely a phonetic spelling of DJ (disc jockey) as a personal name, or a creative blend of De- and Jay. It projects a cool, modern vibe that reflects pop culture influences on American naming.
EtymologyShow more
Dejay is built from 5 letters and two syllables — a mid-length form that balances memorability with distinctiveness.
The interplay of consonants and vowels in Dejay creates its characteristic sharp, distinct quality. Two-syllable names are the most common length in American naming, hitting a natural speech rhythm that works across formal and informal contexts.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Dejay has 21+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1980.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 8 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 45 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 42 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 22 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 20 | — |
The Story of Dejay
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2017, Dejay is a fresh, modern favorite. Boys named Dejay are most likely born between 2007 and 2023.
How rare is Dejay?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Dejay is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1980, grew steadily over the decades, peaked in the 2010s with 45 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Dejay by the numbers
- Would fill 3 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(21 years, 1980–2023)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 8 | #9108 |
| 2019 | 5 | #12606 |
| 2018 | 7 | #9911 |
| 2017 | 11 | #7212 |
| 2015 | 5 | #12514 |
| 2014 | 7 | #9886 |
| 2013 | 5 | #12584 |
| 2010 | 5 | #12711 |
| 2008 | 10 | #7825 |
| 2007 | 9 | #8336 |
| 2006 | 9 | #8156 |
| 2005 | 9 | #7785 |
| 2001 | 5 | #10964 |
| 1998 | 7 | #7760 |
| 1993 | 5 | #9054 |
| 1992 | 5 | #8712 |
| 1991 | 5 | #8497 |
| 1989 | 5 | #8176 |
| 1988 | 5 | #7546 |
| 1982 | 5 | #6587 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dejay a boy's or girl's name?
When was Dejay most popular?
How popular is the name Dejay?
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1980–2023