Wray is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word "wreþ" which means "guard" or "protector". The name Wray was historically used as a surname in England, often referring to someone who lived near a bend in a river.
The first recorded use of the name Wray as a given name appears to be in the 19th century. It is not clear why this name started being used as a given name during this time period. However, it has remained relatively rare throughout history, making it a distinctive choice for parents looking for an uncommon name for their child.
One famous bearer of the name Wray was Sir William Wray, who served as Lord Chief Justice of Ireland in the 16th century. This suggests that the name has been associated with wealth and power throughout history.
Overall, the name Wray is a unique choice with a strong meaning and an interesting history behind it. Its rarity makes it stand out, while its English origins give it a familiar and approachable feel.
The name Wray has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States. In 1942, there were 6 babies named Wray, which is the highest recorded number for that year. However, this popularity did not continue as the following decade saw a decline with only 7 births in 1958. The next peak occurred in 1959 and 1968, each with 5 births.
In total, over these years, there were 23 babies named Wray born in the United States. This data provides an interesting snapshot of the fluctuating popularity of this unique name over time. While it may not have been as popular as some other names, the fact that it has consistently appeared on birth records for several decades shows that there is still a community of parents who choose this distinctive name for their children.