Lay is a name of Chinese origin and it has a significant meaning behind it. The character "lay" in Chinese means "plum blossom," which is one of the most admired flowers in China due to its resilience against harsh winter conditions. This flower blooms beautifully during the coldest months, symbolizing perseverance and courage in the face of adversity.
The name Lay has a rich history in Chinese culture, with notable figures carrying this name throughout different dynasties. One famous example is Lay Zhang, a popular singer-songwriter born in China who gained international fame as a member of the boy band EXO.
The name Lay is also associated with other notable individuals such as Lay Li, a renowned painter during the Qing Dynasty, and Lay Zhongqing, a highly respected poet from the Song Dynasty. These historic figures have contributed to the prestige and significance of the name Lay in Chinese culture.
In Western cultures, Lay has been adopted as an unisex given name or middle name due to its unique sound and association with famous personalities like Lay Zhang. However, it remains more commonly used among Chinese-speaking communities worldwide.
Statistics on the name Lay in the United States show a varied pattern of popularity over time. Between 1918 and 2016, there were a total of 28 babies named Lay born in the U.S. The most popular years for the name were 2014 and 2016, with 7 births each. Prior to that, the highest number of Lay births recorded was 5 in both 1923 and 1926. This data indicates that while Lay has not been a top choice among parents naming their children, it has seen some popularity over the past century, particularly in recent years.