Raye is a unique and distinctive given name of French origin. The name is derived from the French word "rayon," which means "ray." Therefore, Raye is often interpreted to mean "ray of light" or "beam of light."
The name Raye has a rich history dating back centuries in France. It was traditionally used as both a masculine and feminine given name. In some cases, it was also used as a surname for families who lived near prominent rays of sunlight, such as those that streamed through windows or doorways.
In the 19th century, Raye began to gain popularity as a given name in other parts of Europe and North America. Today, it is recognized worldwide and has been adopted by many cultures.
Despite its growing global recognition, Raye remains relatively uncommon compared to more traditional names like John or Emily. This scarcity can make the name feel special and unique, appealing to parents looking for something distinctive for their child.
In summary, Raye is a French-derived given name that means "ray of light" or "beam of light." With its historic roots in France and growing popularity worldwide, it offers a distinctive choice for those seeking an uncommon yet meaningful name.
The name Raye has seen a fluctuating trend in popularity over the past century in the United States. Between 1889 and 1972, there were periods where it was more commonly used, with a peak of 52 births in 1955. However, after 1973, its popularity declined significantly, with fewer than 20 births per year until the late 1990s.
From the year 2000 onwards, there has been a slight resurgence in the use of the name Raye. In fact, since 2015, it has been more popular than it was during most of the previous century, with over 10 births per year. The highest number of births recorded for this name in recent years was 18 in 2020.
In total, there have been 2263 births of the name Raye in the United States since 1889. This shows that while it may not be one of the most popular names historically, it has maintained a consistent presence over time and has seen some renewed interest in recent years.