Bay carries echoes of the English word for an inlet—an intimate meeting of land and sea—traced back to Old French baee. In its brevity, the name conjures a serene coastal tableau, reminiscent of the Persian Gulf’s gentle coves at dawn. Unisex in use and crisp in sound (/beɪ/), Bay appeals to parents seeking a nature-inspired appellation with minimalist charm. Its three letters refuse to overstay their welcome, yet harbor unexpected depth. Analysts note that its appearance on US birth registers has been steady yet modest, hovering around the low-900s in rank over the past decade and rising to 16 occurrences in 2024. As a name that marries elemental simplicity with cultural resonance, Bay stands like a quiet harbor: unadorned but deeply grounded.