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Gray Unisex

Popularity: #782 · Trend: ↗ Rising

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)

StateBirthsShare
TX 15
20%
FL 14
18%
TN 10
13%
NC 10
13%
CA 8
11%
GA 8
11%
VA 6
8%
OH 5
7%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18855
18875
18897
18955
18975
18995
190010
19016
19036
19065
19086
19095
19117
191214
19136
191412
191529
191613
191717
191817
191925
192033
192117
192220
192318
192422
192522
192618
192717
192814
192914
193016
193113
193215
193313
193419
193518
193613
193720
193815
193916
194011
194127
194224
194314
194421
194517
194625
194735
194823
194932
195027
195124
195232
195328
195430
195541
195639
195733
195842
195937
196034
196126
196249
196338
196430
196526
196627
196720
196828
196928
197027
197121
197223
197328
197419
197522
19769
197718
197820
197916
198017
198118
198219
198315
198429
198526
198621
198736
198828
198949
199030
199122
199229
199354
199457
199552
199656
199742
199838
199953
200039
200151
200246
200357
200454
200554
200670
200781
200877
200989
201097
201197
2012120
2013121
2014127
2015141
2016144
2017145
2018148
2019156
2020151
2021167
2022164
2023175
2024142