The name of a bird. It is of Latin origin, and the meaning of Jay is "blue crested bird". In English Baby Names the meaning of the name Jay is: To rejoice (from the Latin Gaius). J ay as a boys' name (also used less widely as girls' name Jay) is pronounced jay. It is of Latin origin, and the meaning of Jay is "blue crested bird". Jay is a common given name or nickname. The name Jay is an English Baby Names baby name. Used as a diminutive for any name starting with J, and can also be used as a nickname for someone who talks a lot. The name Jay means A Bird In The Crow Family and is of Latin origin. Jay is a name that's been used by parents who are considering baby names for boys. Meaning of the name Jay: Originally a pet form of any of the names beginning with the letter J. It is now usually bestowed as an independent given name. It may be a nickname for James, Jamie, Jacob, Jared, Joaquin, Jeremy, John, Jonathan, Joseph, Jason, or Jordan. A name on it's own or a nicknme for James or John. In Hindu cultures, Jay or Jai is a common first name derived from the Sanskrit for "win" or "victory".