The name Gray is of English origin and means "gray-haired." It was originally a surname that was derived from the Middle English word "grei," which meant "gray." The name was likely given to individuals who had gray hair or wore gray clothing.
In the past, the name Gray was often used as a nickname for someone with gray hair or who possessed some other qualities associated with the color gray. For example, someone might have been called Gray if they were calm and serious in nature.
Over time, Gray has evolved from being primarily a surname to also being used as a given name. Today, it is most commonly used as a boy's name, although it can also be used for girls. Some famous people with the name Gray include actor Tom Gray and writer Stephen Gray.
In terms of popularity, Gray has never been one of the most common names in English-speaking countries. However, it has appeared periodically in the Social Security Administration's list of popular baby names in the United States. For example, in 2019, Gray was the 763rd most popular name for boys and the 1,475th most popular name for girls.
Overall, Gray is a unique and distinctive name with an interesting history behind it. While its meaning may not be as well-known as some other names, it has a clear and straightforward origin that is rooted in English language and culture.
The given statistics illustrate the popularity of the name Gray in the United States over time. From 1912 to 2023, there were a total of 629 babies named Gray born in the U.S.
During the early 20th century, the number of births with the name Gray fluctuated between five and seven per year. However, starting around the year 2000, there was a significant increase in the popularity of this name. In fact, from 2005 onwards, the number of babies named Gray born each year consistently surpassed ten.
The peak in popularity for the name Gray occurred between 2014 and 2016, with 47, 45, and 44 births respectively during those years. Since then, the number of babies named Gray has remained relatively high, with at least 33 births annually up until 2023.
This data demonstrates that while the name Gray may not have been particularly popular in the early to mid-20th century, it has experienced a notable increase in popularity in recent years. It is interesting to observe how trends in naming conventions can change over time.