Holding steady.
Popularity of Dontray since 1977
Babies named Dontray per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 14 |
| 1980s | 78 |
| 1990s | 131 |
| 2000s | 55 |
| 2010s | 31 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Dontray is a distinctive modern coinage that first entered U.S. birth records in 1977, reflecting the creative naming trends of that era. The name combines the popular prefix 'Don-' with the suffix '-tray', a pattern seen in other invented names like Montray and Quantray. Its greatest popularity came in 1993, when it saw its highest recorded usage, though it has always remained rare. The name's trajectory has been stable over the decades, never achieving widespread use or ranking in the top 1000. As of 2025, Dontray continues to be used sparingly, primarily within communities that value unique, constructed names with distinctive sounds.
Dontray is a modern coinage that emerged in the United States in the late 20th century. It follows the pattern of creating new first names by combining the prefix 'Don-' (inspired by names like Donald or Donovan) with a trendy suffix '-tray', possibly borrowed from names like Montray or Quantray. This type of invented name reflects a broader trend in African American naming practices during the 1970s and 1980s, where unique, rhythmic combinations were popular. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1977 and saw its highest usage in 1993.
Sibling names for Dontray
Names that share Dontray's style, for a brother or sister.

