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 name Ray experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a peak of 1657 births in 1914 and a low of 282 births in 2021. It began gaining traction around the late 19th century, starting from 142 births in 1880, and reached its zenith in the early 20th century. After World War I, the popularity of the name Ray declined steadily until it reached an all-time low in recent years.