Ray is a unisex given name of English origin. It means "wise" or "protector," depending on the context in which it's used. The name Ray has been popular throughout history, with notable figures such as American musician Ray Charles and British explorer Captain Robert Falcon Scott both bearing this name.
The name Ray is derived from the Germanic element "ragin," which means "counsel" or "advice." It can also be traced back to the Old Norse name Rognvaldr, which consists of the elements "ragr" meaning "wise" and "valdr" meaning "powerful." Over time, these names evolved into the form Ray.
In some cases, Ray is used as a short form or pet name for other names beginning with the sound "ra-," such as Raymond, Ralph, or Rachel. However, it can also be used independently as a given name in its own right.
Throughout history, people named Ray have made significant contributions to various fields. For instance, Ray Charles was a legendary musician and singer-songwriter who played a crucial role in integrating rhythm & blues with country music. Meanwhile, Captain Robert Falcon Scott was a British explorer who led two expeditions to the Antarctic in the early 20th century.
Today, Ray remains a popular given name for both boys and girls, ranking consistently among the top 1,000 names in several English-speaking countries. Its simplicity and classic appeal make it a timeless choice for parents looking for a name with a strong heritage and meaningful origin.
The statistics presented show the number of births with the name Ray in the United States each year from 1880 to 2023.
From 1880 to 1912, the number of births with the name Ray remained relatively low, fluctuating between 142 and 1050 births per year. However, starting in 1912, there was a significant increase in the popularity of the name Ray, with over 1000 births each year.
The peak of popularity for the name Ray occurred between 1912 and 1927, during which time there were over 3000 births per year. The highest number of births with the name Ray in any single year was in 1926, with 3409 births.
After 1927, the popularity of the name Ray began to decline. Between 1928 and 1964, there were between 2000 and 3000 births per year with the name Ray. However, starting in 1965, there was a more significant decrease in the popularity of the name Ray.
From 1965 to 2023, the number of births with the name Ray continued to decline, with fewer than 1000 births per year recorded after 1977. The most recent data available shows that there were 333 births with the name Ray in the United States in 2023.
Overall, while the popularity of the name Ray has fluctuated over time, it has remained a relatively uncommon name throughout history, with fewer than 500 births per year recorded in most years.