| Meaning | gift, hawk-like |
| Origin | Hebrew, Irish |
| Gender | gender neutral |
| Opposite gender | Shay |
| Popularity | Moderate |
| Length | 4 |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Syllabification | Shay |
About Shay
Effortlessly cool and undeniably versatile, this name radiates modern sensibility with a hint of Irish charm. The single syllable delivers impact without complexity, making it instantly accessible while maintaining distinctiveness. It occupies that sweet spot between masculine and feminine, giving it a contemporary unisex appeal that many parents find attractive. The name feels casual yet capable, suggesting someone approachable and down-to-earth while possessing quiet confidence. Its simplicity is strategic—easy to spell, impossible to mispronounce, and quick to write, making it practical for a child learning to sign their name. Yet despite its straightforwardness, it doesn't feel plain or ordinary. The soft "sh" sound gives it a gentle quality, while the strong single-syllable structure adds backbone. It works beautifully as a standalone first name or as a nickname for longer options, providing flexibility as your child develops their identity. The name has an artistic, creative vibe without being overly bohemian, and a sporty feel without being too casual. This balanced nature means it adapts to whatever personality your daughter develops.
Nicknames for Shay
| Sha |
| Shasha |
| Shay-Shay |
| Shaynie |
| Shaylee |
Famous People Named Shay
| Shay Johnson | Reality TV personality |
| Shay Maria | Model and actress |
| Shay Haley | American musician |
| Shay Laren | Adult film actress |
| Shay Williamson | Australian Paralympic swimmer |
| Shay Totten | American author and journalist |
| Shay Youngblood | American playwright and author |
| Shay Hayley | British singer and songwriter |
| Shay Cullen | Irish priest and human rights activist |
| Shay Buckeey Johnson | Reality TV personality |
| Shay Doron | Israeli basketball player |
| Shay Mitchell | Canadian actress |
| Shay Roundtree | American actress and producer |
| Shayna Taylor | American model and entrepreneur |
Characters Named Shay
| Shay Butler | from the web series "Shaytards" |
| Shay Kelly | from the TV series "Chicago Fire" |
| Shay Clarke | from the book series "The Selection" by Kiera Cass |
| Shay Cormac | from the video game "Assassin's Creed Rogue" |
| Shay Willis | from the TV series "Degrassi - The Next Generation" |
| Shay Powers | from the TV series "Young Americans" |
| Shay Jensen | from the video game "Need for Speed - Payback" |
| Shay Diaries | from the web series "Shay's Kitchen Diaries" |
| Shay Kirby | from the TV series "Degrassi - The Next Generation" |
| Shay Hunter | from the TV series "Faking It" |
| Shay Baldwin | from the book series "Pretty Little Liars" by Sara Shepard |
| Shay Emerson | from the book "Unwind" by Neal Shusterman |
| Shay Morrison | from the book "Table for Five" by Susan Wiggs |