Coy

Pronunciation: [ k-OY ]

Boy Name #1,507 Most Popular Hidden Gem 1 Syllable

A quiet Southern one-syllable classic

American English Southern US

Vintage Minimalist Earthy Bold Unique

Meaning & Origin

"quiet, calm, reserved"

Origin: Old French

Language: English

"modest, shy"

Origin: Latin via French

Language: English

Things to Know About This Name

The word 'coy' commonly means 'flirtatious and evasive,' which may create teasing

The Story of Coy

Coy as a given name derives from the Old French 'coi' meaning 'quiet, still, calm,' which came from the Latin 'quietus.' In French, it described someone reserved or tranquil. As an English adjective, 'coy' evolved to mean deliberately shy or flirtatiously evasive. As a Southern American given name, it was used straightforwardly, likely valued for its monosyllabic strength and connection to quietude or the natural world, possibly influenced by the fish species koi (carp).

Coy was most common as a given name in the American South during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when brief, strong monosyllabic names were fashionable for boys. It has largely fallen out of use as its primary meaning ('flirtatiously evasive') has become more prominent in everyday speech.

In Southern American naming traditions, Coy fits with other brief, unpretentious names like Roy, Clyde, and Earl that were common among working-class communities. It has a distinctly regional, vintage American character.

Fun Facts

The name Coy was most popular in the American South between 1880-1940
The related word 'koi' (the decorative fish) comes from Japanese and is unrelated to this name

Coy in Other Languages

Latin Quietus

French Coi

Spanish Coy

Famous People Named Coy

Coy Luther Perry III

Musician

1990

Better known as 'Luke Bryan' (his middle name), one of country music's biggest stars

Coy Bacon

Athlete

1942

American NFL defensive end who played for multiple teams in the 1970s

Quick Facts

Gender: Boy
Syllables: 1
Popularity Rank: #1,507
Total SSA Count: 118
Cultural Origins: American English Southern US
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Casual
Cross-Cultural Ease: Moderate

Pairs Well With

Coy Allen Coy Wayne Coy Dean Coy Lee Coy Earl Coy Dale Coy Ray

Sibling Names

Roy Troy Clyde Earl Burl Loy Lyle

Also a Girl Name

Coy is also used as a girl name, ranked #49102.

View Coy as a girl name →

Similar Names

Love Roy Floyd Leroy Royal Troy Hoyt Joyce

Playground Safety

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Frequently Asked Questions About Coy

What does the name Coy mean?

"quiet, calm, reserved" (from Old French). "modest, shy" (from Latin via French). Coy as a given name derives from the Old French 'coi' meaning 'quiet, still, calm,' which came from the Latin 'quietus.' In French, it described someone reserved or tranquil. As an English adjective, 'coy' evolved to mean deliberately shy or flirtatiously evasive. As a Southern American given name, it was used straightforwardly, likely valued for its monosyllabic strength and connection to quietude or the natural world, possibly influenced by the fish species koi (carp).

What is the origin of the name Coy?

Coy has Old French, Latin via French, American, English, and Southern US origins. In Old French, it means "quiet, calm, reserved". In Latin via French, it means "modest, shy".

Is Coy a boy or girl name?

Coy is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1507. As a girl name, it is ranked #49102. Coy is more commonly used as a boy name.

How do you pronounce Coy?

Coy is pronounced k-OY.

How popular is the name Coy?

Coy is currently ranked #1507 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

What are good middle names for Coy?

Popular middle name pairings include Coy Allen, Coy Wayne, Coy Dean, Coy Lee, Coy Earl, Coy Dale, and Coy Ray.

What are good sibling names for Coy?

Names that pair well with Coy as siblings include Roy, Troy, Clyde, Earl, Burl, Loy, and Lyle.

How many syllables does Coy have?

Coy has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Coy a common or rare name?

Coy is an uncommon name, ranked #1507 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Coy

Coy is a boy name with American, English, and Southern US origins . The name means "quiet, calm, reserved" in Old French .

Is Coy a boy or girl name? Coy is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,507 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #49,102. Coy is more commonly used as a boy name.

Coy is currently ranked #1,507 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Coy has 1 syllable and is pronounced k-OY, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Coy