Gray Unisex
Origin(s)
PronunciationGRAY / /ɡreɪ/English; Scottish
Meaning
English: gray-haired; Scottish: from the gray place
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Gray has its roots in the Old English word "græg," which means "gray" or "grey," referring to the color. This term is derived from the Proto-Germanic *grēwaz, which is also the source of similar words in other Germanic languages, such as Old High German "grau" and Old Norse "grár." The transition of the word into a surname occurred in medieval England, where it was often used to describe individuals with gray hair or a grayish complexion, eventually evolving into a given name.
Historically, the name Gray has been associated with various notable figures and families. One significant milestone is its use as a surname by prominent English families, particularly during the Middle Ages. The Gray family, for example, was influential in the North of England, with ties to nobility and land ownership. The name also appears in historical texts and records, including the Domesday Book of 1086, where it is likely that individuals with the surname were recorded. Additionally, the name has been borne by various saints and ecclesiastical figures throughout the centuries, contributing to its recognition in Christian contexts.
Culturally, the name Gray carries connotations of wisdom, maturity, and neutrality, often associated with the color itself, which symbolizes balance and calmness. In literature and art, gray has been used to evoke a sense of somberness or reflection, further embedding the name within cultural narratives. The name has also seen variations and diminutives, such as Graydon, which may reflect familial or regional adaptations. Overall, Gray has maintained a presence in English-speaking cultures, resonating with themes of stability and depth.
Trend Summary
The name Gray has seen a steady rise in popularity in the United States over the past few decades.
Similar Names
Variants
- Grey
International Variants
- Grégoire (French)
- Grigori (Russian)
Famous people named Gray
Gray N. McKenzie is a notable figure in the field of architecture best known for his contributions to sustainable design.
Fictional characters named Gray
Gray Fullbuster is a fictional character from the manga and anime series Fairy Tail. He is a powerful ice mage and a key member of the Fairy Tail guild, known for his rivalry with Natsu Dragneel.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Gray was first seen in the United States in 1885. Gray has ranked as high as #1201 nationally, which occurred in 2023, and has been most popular in North Carolina, Texas, California, Georgia, and Florida. In the past 5 years the name Gray has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Gray (2024)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
TX | 15 | |
FL | 14 | |
TN | 10 | |
NC | 10 | |
CA | 8 | |
GA | 8 | |
VA | 6 | |
OH | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1885 | 5 |
1887 | 5 |
1889 | 7 |
1895 | 5 |
1897 | 5 |
1899 | 5 |
1900 | 10 |
1901 | 6 |
1903 | 6 |
1906 | 5 |
1908 | 6 |
1909 | 5 |
1911 | 7 |
1912 | 14 |
1913 | 6 |
1914 | 12 |
1915 | 29 |
1916 | 13 |
1917 | 17 |
1918 | 17 |
1919 | 25 |
1920 | 33 |
1921 | 17 |
1922 | 20 |
1923 | 18 |
1924 | 22 |
1925 | 22 |
1926 | 18 |
1927 | 17 |
1928 | 14 |
1929 | 14 |
1930 | 16 |
1931 | 13 |
1932 | 15 |
1933 | 13 |
1934 | 19 |
1935 | 18 |
1936 | 13 |
1937 | 20 |
1938 | 15 |
1939 | 16 |
1940 | 11 |
1941 | 27 |
1942 | 24 |
1943 | 14 |
1944 | 21 |
1945 | 17 |
1946 | 25 |
1947 | 35 |
1948 | 23 |
1949 | 32 |
1950 | 27 |
1951 | 24 |
1952 | 32 |
1953 | 28 |
1954 | 30 |
1955 | 41 |
1956 | 39 |
1957 | 33 |
1958 | 42 |
1959 | 37 |
1960 | 34 |
1961 | 26 |
1962 | 49 |
1963 | 38 |
1964 | 30 |
1965 | 26 |
1966 | 27 |
1967 | 20 |
1968 | 28 |
1969 | 28 |
1970 | 27 |
1971 | 21 |
1972 | 23 |
1973 | 28 |
1974 | 19 |
1975 | 22 |
1976 | 9 |
1977 | 18 |
1978 | 20 |
1979 | 16 |
1980 | 17 |
1981 | 18 |
1982 | 19 |
1983 | 15 |
1984 | 29 |
1985 | 26 |
1986 | 21 |
1987 | 36 |
1988 | 28 |
1989 | 49 |
1990 | 30 |
1991 | 22 |
1992 | 29 |
1993 | 54 |
1994 | 57 |
1995 | 52 |
1996 | 56 |
1997 | 42 |
1998 | 38 |
1999 | 53 |
2000 | 39 |
2001 | 51 |
2002 | 46 |
2003 | 57 |
2004 | 54 |
2005 | 54 |
2006 | 70 |
2007 | 81 |
2008 | 77 |
2009 | 89 |
2010 | 97 |
2011 | 97 |
2012 | 120 |
2013 | 121 |
2014 | 127 |
2015 | 141 |
2016 | 144 |
2017 | 145 |
2018 | 148 |
2019 | 156 |
2020 | 151 |
2021 | 167 |
2022 | 164 |
2023 | 175 |
2024 | 142 |