Jaquay
Primarily a boy's name of African origin with 418 recorded births. Also given to 156 girls.
Meaning & Origin
Fewer than 418 Americans have ever been named Jaquay. It first appeared in SSA records in 1977 and peaked modestly at 29 births in 2001 — rare enough to be distinctive, with just enough history to feel grounded.
Jaquay is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Jaquay is a boy's and girl's baby name of African origin, a phonetic variant of Jacquay or Jaquan, reflecting African American naming traditions that combine French-derived sounds (Jacques) with distinctive modern spellings.
Names in the Jaquan family emerged in the 1980s and 1990s as part of a broader movement toward culturally expressive given names. Jaquay carries a confident, rhythmic sound that feels both distinctive and rooted in community identity.
EtymologyShow more
Jaquay first shows up in U.S. Social Security records in 1977. First appearing in the 1970s, Jaquay emerged during a period of rapid naming innovation in America, when parents increasingly created new names or adopted them from global cultures.
Its African classification suggests a path from african linguistic traditions into American usage, though the specific route — whether through immigration, literature, or cultural exchange — would require deeper historical research.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Jaquay has 37+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1977.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 20 | #10756 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 54 | #10659 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 157 | #5499 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 134 | #5001 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 18 | #6883 | ▼ |
| 1970s | 35 | #4119 | — |
The Story of Jaquay
A Gen Z name
Peaking in 2001, Jaquay is a name that defines a generation. Boys named Jaquay are most likely born between 1991 and 2011.
How rare is Jaquay?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Jaquay is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1977, grew steadily over the decades, peaked in the 2000s with 157 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Jaquay by the numbers
- Would fill 9 school buses
- Meeting one Jaquay per day would take 1.1 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(37 years, 1977–2022)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 8 | #9345 |
| 2021 | 5 | #12935 |
| 2020 | 7 | #9988 |
| 2019 | 9 | #8480 |
| 2018 | 5 | #12992 |
| 2017 | 8 | #9205 |
| 2015 | 5 | #12902 |
| 2013 | 7 | #10110 |
| 2012 | 7 | #10169 |
| 2011 | 7 | #10079 |
| 2010 | 6 | #11332 |
| 2009 | 12 | #6987 |
| 2008 | 14 | #6221 |
| 2007 | 14 | #6054 |
| 2006 | 12 | #6641 |
| 2005 | 14 | #5698 |
| 2004 | 14 | #5610 |
| 2003 | 13 | #5691 |
| 2002 | 20 | #4100 |
| 2001 | 29 | #3098 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Jaquay as a Girl's Name
Though more common for boys, Jaquay has a notable history as a girl's name too, with 156 births since 1977.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jaquay a boy's or girl's name?
When was Jaquay most popular?
How popular is the name Jaquay?
Can Jaquay be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1977–2022