Holding steady.
Popularity of Wray since 1906
Babies named Wray per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1927, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Wray's real moment was 1906.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 10 |
| 1910s | 97 |
| 1920s | 160 |
| 1930s | 151 |
| 1940s | 135 |
| 1950s | 134 |
| 1960s | 102 |
| 1970s | 41 |
| 1980s | 29 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
The name Wray is a rare and distinctive choice, first recorded in U.S. Social Security data in 1906, its peak year with fewer than five births. It has remained extremely uncommon, with no rank in the top 1000 over the past century. Its trajectory has been stable, showing little fluctuation. The name is most likely derived from an English surname, possibly from Old English wrá 'nook' or 'corner', or as a variant of Ray. Because Wray is so rare, no top states of usage are available. For parents seeking a short, strong name with a vintage feel, Wray offers a unique alternative to more familiar names like Ray or Faye.
Wray likely originated as a transferred use of the English surname Wray, which itself derives from Old English wrá 'nook' or 'corner' (a toponymic). It may also be a variant spelling of Ray, a short form of Raymond or a name derived from Old French reine 'queen'. As a given name, Wray has seen sporadic use since the early 20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Ray, Wrae
Sibling names for Wray
Names that share Wray's style, for a brother or sister.
