Girl · 1609th of 12,526
Raye
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
2,585
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1956
Peak Popularity Year
74
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Raye stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
Jump to a section
Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
The name Raye originates from English and is derived from the Old French name 'Ray', which denotes 'counsel' or 'protector'. The name has evolved from Ray to Raye and is associated with a modern and trendy image. It does not have biblical relevance and saw a rise in popularity during the late 20th century. Notable people with this name include Raye, a singer-songwriter, and Raye McDonald, an author.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/reɪ/
Origin
English
Etymology
The name Raye is derived from the Old French name 'Ray', which is a diminutive of various names containing the element 'ray', meaning 'counsel' or 'protector'.
Meaning
counsel, protector
Language Evolution
Ray, Raye
Historical Usage
The name Raye gained popularity in the late 20th century as a modern variant, particularly in English-speaking countries.
Variants & Derivatives
Ray, Raya
Modern Popularity & Image
Raye is perceived as a trendy and contemporary name, often chosen for its unique sound and modern appeal.
Famous People
Raye (singer-songwriter), Raye McDonald (author)
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
Geographic charts live in focused views so this report stays readable. Choose the level of detail you need.
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 74 peak births in 1956
Geographic Spread
Popular across 11 US states, with strongest presence in Texas
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 8 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 12 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 4628th of 7545 | 41 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 3290th of 6773 | 96 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 3032nd of 7552 | 142 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 7574th of 10718 | 21 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 15579th of 16616 | 6 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 1797th of 9107 | 379 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 1652nd of 9204 | 428 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 1609th of 12526 | 803 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 3592nd of 19264 | 285 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 8539th of 27321 | 125 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 13503rd of 35406 | 95 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 8892nd of 30306 | 142 |