All about the name

Pray

Male

« Pray is a rare Hebrew given name derived from "prah," meaning "to break forth." It's traditionally associated with Perez, a son of Judah in the Bible, and symbolizes sudden appearance or eruption. While some associate Pray with prayer due to its phonetic similarity, this connection is purely coincidental. Throughout history, notable individuals like French author Jean de Pray have borne this unique name. »

#21916 over 10 years

Meaning, origin, history

Pray is a unique and intriguing given name of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Hebrew word "prah," which means "to break forth" or "to burst forth." This word is often associated with concepts such as sudden appearance, eruption, or outburst. The name Pray is believed to have originated as a diminutive form of the Hebrew name Perez, which means "breach" or "rupture." In the Bible, Perez was one of the sons of Judah and Tamar in the Book of Genesis. According to tradition, Perez's name signifies that he broke forth from his mother's womb at birth. In some cultures, the name Pray is also associated with prayer, as it sounds similar to the word "prayer." However, this connection is purely coincidental, as the name Pray has no direct relation to religious concepts or practices. Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Pray. One of the most well-known is French author Jean de Pray (1583-1627), who wrote a famous collection of sonnets titled "Les Amours d'Astrée." Despite his literary achievements, very little is known about Jean de Pray's life or background. In conclusion, the name Pray is an uncommon yet captivating given name with Hebrew origins. Its meaning and history offer insight into its unique character and heritage, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with deeper significance.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Pray since 1880

Total births
6
Total since 1880
Peak year
2013
6 births
in 2013
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-100%
vs previous 5 years