Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Ray
BoyEnglish, Germanic· “counsel protector; ray of light”
- Meaning
- counsel protector; ray of light
- Origin
- English, Germanic
- Pronunciation
- RAY
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #792
- US babies 2025
- 319
- Best rank
- #49 (1891)
- Peak year
- 1957
Meaning and origin of Ray
Ray is an English and Germanic name that is usually said to mean “counsel protector; ray of light”.
Ray began as a short form of Raymond, from the Germanic elements ragin, meaning counsel, and mund, meaning protection. It also coincides with the English word for a beam of light. Ray became a name in its own right in the nineteenth century. Famous bearers include the musician Ray Charles and the writer Ray Bradbury. The name feels friendly, simple and retro. It pairs well with longer middle names. It can also be a nickname for names like Rayan or Raymond.
Other spellings with the same sound: Rae, Rey, Raye, Rea, Wray.
Popularity over time
Ray has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #49 in 1891, and the most babies received it in 1957, when 3,410 were named Ray. In 2025, 319 babies were named Ray, and it ranked #792 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #67 in 1920, #111 in 1950, #261 in 1980, #517 in 2000, #661 in 2010, and #792 in 2025. Of the 204,701 US boys named Ray since records began, 16% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1930s come next, with 30,211 babies. Since 2010, 5,305 more have been named Ray.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Rickey, Glen, Guy, Darrell, and Micheal.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Ray ranked highest in Utah, California, and Florida.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Utah | #545 | 8 |
| California | #612 | 48 |
| Florida | #615 | 28 |
| Indiana | #654 | 10 |
| Ohio | #668 | 14 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 96% of US babies named Ray over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Ray is usually pronounced RAY, with one syllable. It has three letters, starts with R and ends in “-ay”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Rae, Rey, Raye, and Rea.
Middle names for Ray
A few middle names that flow with Ray: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Ray
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Lists that include Ray
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Ray mean?
Ray is an English and Germanic name that is usually said to mean “counsel protector; ray of light”.
What is the origin of the name Ray?
Ray has English and Germanic roots. Ray began as a short form of Raymond, from the Germanic elements ragin, meaning counsel, and mund, meaning protection.
Is Ray a popular name?
Yes. Ray ranked #792 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Ray a boy or girl name?
Ray is mainly a boy's name. About 96% of US babies named Ray over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Ray?
Ray is usually pronounced RAY. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings