FitBabyNames.com
For US Baby names

Summary

Ray is a name with roots in Old French and Old German, meaning 'counsel protector.' It has evolved from historical forms like Raimundus and Raymond into its modern form. The name connotes traits of warmth and brightness and has no direct biblical relevance. Its popularity surged in the 20th century, and it is associated with notable figures such as Ray Charles and Ray Bradbury.

The name Ray is most popular in West Virginia, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the G.I. Generation generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Ray has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, falling for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Ray' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 68th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 71st out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 119th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 201st out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 334th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 600th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 753rd out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 631st out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 925th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1648th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 3287th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 7773rd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 16271st out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 6115th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Ray' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.