Cray

“from the marsh” — Associated with various geographical locations in England

American origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#973US 2023

1.2kBirths / yr

→Stable

111All-time births

📅 Since 196200

How to pronounce Cray

KRAY

/ˈkreɪ/ · stress on KRAY · 1 syllable

“from the marsh”

Associated with various geographical locations in England · American origin

What does Cray mean and where does it come from?

The name Cray has its roots in the Old English word 'crawe' which means 'crow' or relates to marshland. It has been used historically as a surname and a given name. Cray is also associated with various geographical locations in England, notably places called 'Cray' or similar, which may highlight it

Cultural significance

Cray has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of from the marsh.

Peak popularity

Reached #4015 in 1962 — currently #973 in the US.

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How else can you spell Cray?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Cray?

Cray works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Cray Grace

How popular is Cray right now?

Holding steady — currently #973 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1990–2023#973 · Top 0.72%

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#973	1,227	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#978	1,207	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#983	1,177	▲ up 11575 · +23440% births
2010	#12558	5	▼ down 2133 · -17% births
2005	#10425	6	▲ up 265 · +20% births
2000	#10690	5	▼ down 4095 · -37% births
1995	#6595	8	▲ up 1960 · +60% births
1990	#8555	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Cray

Best Year2023Rank #973

Peak Count1,227

Average Rank#6470

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1990 - 20238 years

The story of Cray

Cray is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1962. With 111 total births recorded, Cray remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #8555 in 1990 to #973 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Cray in 1962:

Michael David John James Robert

Cray by decade

Cray peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →

Decade	Births
1960s	6
1980s	11
1990s ★	46
2000s	35
2010s	13

💎Cray has only 111 total recorded births since 1962 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Cray?

Common

CrayieCrayy

What names sound and feel like Cray?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Cray also consider these

Wray

American · English

Ray

American · Beam of light

Mcray

American · Son of the

Pray

English · To utter words

Gray

English · Gray or grey

Crag

Scotland · Rocky hill; craggy

Cram

Celtic · A Celtic name

Cran

Celtic · A Celtic name

Common questions about the name Cray

What does the name Cray mean?

Cray means "from the marsh" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Cray?

Cray is currently ranked #973 as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Cray?

Cray originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Cray?

Cray is a one-syllable name pronounced K R EY1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

How does Cray sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Cray flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Cray ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.