Rising since 2018.
Popularity of Dray since 1974
Babies named Dray per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 6 |
| 1980s | 33 |
| 1990s | 90 |
| 2000s | 76 |
| 2010s | 65 |
| 2020s | 29 |
Meaning & origin
Dray is a rare and modern-sounding name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1974, but saw its peak usage in 1993. Despite never reaching the top 1000, its trajectory has been rising since 2018, suggesting a slow but steady increase in use among parents seeking short, punchy names. The name's origins are unclear, likely a modern coinage or a variant of the English surname Drayton. Without strong ties to any specific state or region, Dray remains a distinctive choice with little historical baggage.
Dray is a rare given name of uncertain origin, possibly a short form of names like Drayton or a modern coinage from the English surname. As a surname, Drayton derives from Old English 'dræg' (a sledge or cart) and 'tun' (enclosure, settlement). The name saw some use in the United States beginning in the late 20th century, particularly in the 1990s when it reached its peak popularity.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Draye
Sibling names for Dray
Names that share Dray's style, for a brother or sister.
