Find out how popular the first name Wray has been for the last 11 years (from 1979 to 1989) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Wray by gender

Based on the last 11 years of data, Wray is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 1989, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Wray.

The history of the first name Wray

The name Wray is of Old English origin, derived from the word "wrae," which means a corner or nook. It was initially used as a surname, referring to someone who lived in a remote or secluded area.

The name Wray can be traced back to the Anglo-Saxon period, around the 5th to 11th centuries. It was commonly found in areas of England such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Cheshire, where the surname was prominent.

While the name Wray does not appear to have any direct references in ancient texts or religious scriptures, it has been documented in historical records and literature from medieval England. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name is in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it is listed as a place name.

The first notable individual with the name Wray was Sir Christopher Wray (1524-1592), an English judge and Lord Chief Justice of England during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Another prominent figure was Sir William Wray (1555-1617), an English politician and member of parliament.

In the 17th century, Leonard Wray (1624-1689) was an English botanist and clergyman, known for his contributions to the study of plants. Later, in the 18th century, Thomas Wray (1736-1823) was an English engineer and inventor, credited with developing a cast-iron bridge design.

Moving into the 19th century, Fanny Wray (1820-1905) was a British writer and philanthropist, known for her efforts in promoting education and social reforms. Towards the end of the century, James Wray (1861-1928) was an English footballer who played for several clubs, including Sheffield United and Nottingham Forest.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who bore the first name Wray, demonstrating its long-standing presence and diverse backgrounds.

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 Wray was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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