Middle Names

An old Irish surname that was big in the 1960s, but would be an unexpected choice for a child now.

Kaye as a masculine name represents an uncommon gender assignment for what is typically considered a feminine name in most Western countries. As a male name, it likely derives from the surname Kay or Kaye, which has Scottish and Celtic origins related to the word 'quay' (a loading dock) or possibly from a location name. The name Kay for men has historical precedent in Arthurian legend, where Sir Kay was King Arthur's foster brother and seneschal. The spelling 'Kaye' gives this short, simple name a slightly more distinctive appearance. While most commonly used for women in contemporary times, there is a minor tradition of using it as a male name or nickname. The gender-crossing nature of Kaye makes it an intriguing choice for parents seeking a gentle yet established name that defies typical gender associations.

Kevin came to the US with the large wave of Irish Immigrants after World War I, hitting the US Top 1000 list for the first time in 1921 and never leaving.

Louisa, a quaint but strongvintage name, is an example of the idea that these days, old-style girls’ names are more fashionable when they end with an a rather than with an e, as in Julie/Julia, Diane/Diana. So for the next generation, Louisa may rise again, especially with the growing popularity of other Lou/Lu-starting names, like Lucy and Luna. Louisa reentered the US Top 1000 in 2014 after a 45 year absence.

Now that the show has gone into reruns, does anybody still love Raymond? Though it's been long dormant, some parents, including Jack Nicholson, are finding its cool name component, largely through the nickname Ray.