Declining since 1985, #791 for boys today.
Popularity of Ray since 1880
Babies named Ray per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1957, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Ray's real moment was 1896.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 2,371 |
| 1890s | 3,763 |
| 1900s | 4,256 |
| 1910s | 17,792 |
| 1920s | 32,045 |
| 1930s | 30,211 |
| 1940s | 29,656 |
| 1950s | 29,912 |
| 1960s | 22,183 |
| 1970s | 10,077 |
| 1980s | 7,835 |
| 1990s | 5,401 |
| 2000s | 3,894 |
| 2010s | 3,367 |
| 2020s | 1,938 |
Meaning & origin
Ray has been in use since at least 1880 (the earliest year for which Social Security data is available), and it peaked in popularity in 1896, when it ranked higher than it does today. Since 1985, its frequency has been declining: in 2025, only about 1 in every 5,354 boys were named Ray. The name has historic strongholds in states like Utah, Indiana, and Wisconsin. Despite its fall from peak usage, Ray remains a familiar, straightforward choice for parents seeking a short and classic-sounding name. As a diminutive of Raymond or Rachel, or a surname, it carries multiple possible meanings without being tied to any single tradition.
Ray originated as a diminutive of Raymond (from Germanic *ragin* 'counsel' + *mund* 'protection') and also of Rachel (Hebrew 'ewe'). As an independent given name, it was reinforced by the surname Ray, which has multiple origins: from Old English *rā* 'roe deer', or a nickname for a beam of light (Old English *ræȝe*), or a variant of Rey. In modern times, Ray is often used as a stand-alone name, especially in the United States, where it peaked in popularity in the late 19th century.
Where Ray is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Ray” around the world
Where Ray lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
4
babies in 2025
Quebec
5
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ray-Ray
Sibling names for Ray
Names that share Ray's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Marie, Ann, Jane, Rose, Louise, Kay, Aretha, Dessa, Fay, Gay, Gaye, Iva, Kaye, Leeann, Lin, Lona, Lyn, Merrie, Neva, Ova, Reba, Reta, Teena, Berna, Fae, Marge, Pa, Raeann, Rayla, Rea, Reita, Veva, Ceil, Cyd, Dola, Gae, Gaile, Ilean, Jyl, Kae, Mc, Neita, Patt, Rinda, Roe, Ruie, Twilla, Vadie, Wanza, Canda, Cay, Detta, Dore, Gola, Maedell, Mee, Okie, Ree, Reida, Veria, Oza, Arra, Asalee, Ayn, Cele, Ermie, Lafaye, Mayre, Nary, Quita, Rubylee, Vetta, Wavie
Brothers: James, Paul, John, George, Frank, Gene, Jay, Lee, Al, Coy, Dee, Dell, Duke, Hank, Ike, Jere, Lon, Lou, Lue, Russ, Val, Clem, Cy, Del, Gaines, Jr, Kee, Len, Les, Lew, Loy, Monta, San, Toy, Vic, Byrd, Chay, Coye, Dail, Dal, Dearl, Deno, Dodge, Doy, Erle, Hue, Jb, Kem, Lenn, Loye, Lum, Meade, Mont, Oval, Rayon, Real, Rozell, Ry, Sy, Zell, Bing, Birl, Coe, Dorn, Dyke, Ky, Less, Virl, Key, Leavy, Boykin, Brace, Cha, Clee, Dink, Dorr, Doye, Dub, El, Ell, Fount, Hy, Ohn, Ran, Rawn
Names like Ray
Names whose popularity has moved with Ray's over the last 50 years.
