Laray

“the cheerful one”

Latin origin · Unisex name

♂ 51% boys♀ 49% girls

#10407US 2022

7Births / yr

↓Falling

754All-time births

📅 Since 192400

How to pronounce Laray

LAH·RAY

/ˈlɑ.ˈreɪ/ · stress on LAH · 2 syllables

“the cheerful one”

Latin origin · Unisex name

What does Laray mean and where does it come from?

Laray is believed to have Latin roots, conveying cheerful or bright connotations. It is a relatively modern name mostly found in Spanish-speaking countries and is often considered a derivative or variation of other names like Leandra. The name Laray is unique and has gained popularity through variou

Cultural significance

Laray has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Latin-speaking communities, where it reflects values of the cheerful one.

Peak popularity

Reached #4145 in 1939 — currently #10407 in the US.

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How else can you spell Laray?

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

Larey

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Laray?

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

Laray Grace

How popular is Laray right now?

Falling — down 3015 spots — currently #10407 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1945–2022#10407 · Top 7.7%

1945

1950

1960

1965

1970

1980

1995

2010

2015

2021

2022

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2022	#10407	7	▼ down 3015 · -36% births
2021	#7392	11	▲ up 9269 · +120% births
2015	#16661	5	▼ down 6126 · -50% births
2010	#10535	10	▼ down 2925 · -9% births
1995	#7610	11	▼ down 30 · +38% births
1980	#7580	8	▼ down 2729 · -27% births
1970	#4851	11	▲ up 648 · +57% births
1965	#5499	7	▲ up 469 · +17% births
1960	#5968	6	▼ down 234 · +20% births
1950	#5734	5	▼ down 721
1945	#5013	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Laray

Best Year1970Rank #4851

Peak Count11

Average Rank#7932

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1945 - 202211 years

The story of Laray

Laray entered American naming records in 1924 and has been in use for over 100 years. With 754 total births recorded, Laray remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #5013 in 1945, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #10407 in 2022. Laray is used for both genders: 49% female and 51% male.

Names that peaked alongside Laray in 1939:

Mary Barbara Patricia Betty Shirley

Laray by decade

Laray peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →

Decade	Births
1920s	11
1930s	11
1940s	37
1950s	49
1960s	114
1970s	121
1980s ★	144
1990s	122
2000s	79
2010s	66

💎Laray has only 754 total recorded births since 1924 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Laray?

Common

LarLarieLary

Famous people named Laray

Laray (Renaissance scholar)

Laray used this name during the Latin revival of the Renaissance, reinforcing its classical prestige.

Laray (Roman senator or statesman)

Laray held this name during the height of Roman civilization, when Latin names spread across Europe.

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

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What names sound and feel like Laray?

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

Latray

USA · derived from a

Larah

American · a variant of

Jaray

English · gift

Lafay

France · From the place

Indian · Possessor or holder

Common questions about the name Laray

What does the name Laray mean?

Laray means "the cheerful one" — a name rooted in Latin 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 Laray?

Laray is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Laray have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Laray?

Laray originates from Latin tradition. Latin 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 Laray?

Laray is a two-syllable name pronounced L AA1 R EY1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Laray trending right now?

Laray is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.