Coy
Coy is a boy's name of English origin.
Meaning
Quiet, modest, or shy.
Origin and history
Coy originates from an Middle English surname derived from Old French, initially meaning quiet or reserved. Historically used as a masculine given name in the United States, it peaked in the early-to-mid 20th century but continues to see steady, modest usage today.
Popularity in the United States
17,348 babies in the United States have been named Coy since 1880. It ranks #893 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1270.
States where it is most popular
- TX (19.7 %)
- NC (13.4 %)
- AR (8.2 %)
- TN (7.9 %)
- OK (7 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 59 |
| 1890-1900 | 130 |
| 1900-1910 | 302 |
| 1910-1920 | 1,557 |
| 1920-1930 | 2,263 |
| 1930-1940 | 1,979 |
| 1940-1950 | 1,824 |
| 1950-1960 | 1,396 |
| 1960-1970 | 1,095 |
| 1970-1980 | 1,049 |
| 1980-1990 | 1,074 |
| 1990-2000 | 1,128 |
| 2000-2010 | 1,395 |
| 2010-2019 | 1,399 |
| 2020-2029 | 698 |
Famous people named Coy
- Coy Gibbs: NASCAR driver, football player
Fun facts
- Coy originated as a Middle English nickname for a quiet or modest person before transitioning into a surname and given name.
- The name enjoyed its highest popularity in the U.S. during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in the Southern states.