Find out how popular the first name Dray has been for the last 49 years (from 1974 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Dray by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Dray is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 7 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Dray.

The history of the first name Dray

The name Dray finds its origins in the Old English language, tracing back to the Anglo-Saxon era around the 5th to 11th centuries CE. It is derived from the Old English word "dræge," which means "to draw" or "to haul," indicating a connection to occupations involving the transportation of goods or materials.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Dray can be found in ancient Anglo-Saxon chronicles and documents from the medieval period in England. One notable historical reference is found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive land survey commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The name appears in entries related to individuals involved in transportation and trade activities.

Throughout the Middle Ages and the Renaissance period, the name Dray was relatively uncommon but still present in various parts of England and other regions influenced by Anglo-Saxon culture. One of the earliest recorded individuals with this name was Dray Wilkins, a merchant and trader who lived in the city of York during the 13th century.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, the name gained some prominence in certain regions of England, particularly in the rural areas where agriculture and transportation played a significant role. One notable figure from this time period was Dray Hawkins (1543-1621), a farmer and landowner from Oxfordshire who was known for his innovative farming techniques.

As the Industrial Revolution took hold in the 18th and 19th centuries, the name Dray became associated with occupations related to the transportation of goods and materials in urban areas. Dray Cartwright (1785-1860), a prominent wagon-maker and manufacturer from Birmingham, was a well-known individual with this name during this era.

Moving into the 20th century, the name Dray continued to have a presence, albeit relatively uncommon. One notable figure was Dray Stevenson (1902-1976), a Scottish poet and writer who gained recognition for his works exploring themes of rural life and the natural world.

Other individuals with the first name Dray who left a mark in various fields include Dray Gillespie (1918-2008), an American jazz drummer and bandleader; Dray Whitmore (1924-2012), a British artist known for his Abstract Expressionist paintings; and Dray Benson (1939-2005), a Canadian scientist and environmentalist who made significant contributions to the study of ecological systems.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Dray was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Dray, please contact us.

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!