All about the name

Mccray

Male

« McCray is a distinctive Scottish surname derived from 'MacRaghnaill', meaning 'son of Raghall', a diminutive form of Raghnall, 'little ruler'. »

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Meaning, origin, history

McCray is a unique and distinctive name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic word "MacRaghnaill," which means "son of Raghall." Raghall, in turn, is believed to be a diminutive form of the given name Raghnall, meaning "little ruler" or "small prince." The McCray surname and its variants, such as MacRay and McGray, have been traditionally associated with the Highlands of Scotland. However, it is important to note that the spelling variations are not indicative of different origins; rather, they result from the frequent changes in the Scottish Gaelic language over time. Historically, the clan McCray was a sept of the powerful Clan Chattan, one of the largest and most influential Highland clans. The Clan Chattan, which means "the descendants of Chattan," is believed to have been founded by a legendary Irish prince named Fingal in the 4th century AD. Today, the name McCray is still found predominantly in Scotland but has also spread to other parts of the world due to Scottish immigration over the centuries. Despite its unique spelling and origin, the meaning behind the name McCray – "son of Raghall" or "little ruler" – remains a powerful and enduring one.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Mccray since 1880

Total births
47
Total since 1880
Peak year
2016
6 births
in 2023
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-31%
vs previous 5 years