Gray is an English masculine given name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Scottish surname Graham, which itself originates from the Scottish Gaelic name Griogair. The name Griogair means "gray-haired" or "grey chief", with the prefix gri meaning "gray" and the suffix ri meaning "king".
The name Gray has been used as a given name since the Middle Ages in Scotland. It was often bestowed upon children born to families with the surname Graham, as a way of honoring their heritage and maintaining family traditions.
Over time, the use of Gray as a given name spread beyond Scotland and became more popular in England and other English-speaking countries. Today, it is considered a unisex name, although it is still more commonly used for boys than girls.
In literature, one of the most notable bearers of the name Gray was the poet Thomas Gray, who was born in England in 1716. He is best known for his long poem "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard", which was published in 1751 and remains a popular work today.
Overall, the name Gray has a strong connection to Scottish heritage and history, with a meaning that suggests strength, leadership, and wisdom. It is a classic yet distinctive name that has been worn by many notable individuals throughout history.
The name Gray seems to have experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a marked increase in usage starting around the mid-20th century. Between 1885 and 1946, the number of annual births named Gray varied between 5 and 35, with a notable spike of 70 in 1947. From then on, there's a clear upward trend, with the name reaching its peak popularity in recent years: over 170 births were recorded each year from 2021 to 2023. Overall, since 1885, there have been a total of 4894 births named Gray.