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 #16615 in the US.
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Related Reading
Latin-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Laray?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
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 Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Laray John
One syllable · timeless choice
Laray Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Laray Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Laray Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
Laray Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Laray right now?
Falling — down 6208 spots — currently #16615 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2024 | #16615 | 5 | ▼ down 6208 · -29% births |
| 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 | — |
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:
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 | |
| 2020s | 20 | |
💎Laray has only 754 total recorded births since 1924 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Laray?
Famous people named Laray
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Laray (Renaissance scholar)
Laray used this name during the Latin revival of the Renaissance, reinforcing its classical prestige.
L(
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
Explore →What names sound and feel like Laray?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Laray also consider these
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 LAH-RAY. 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.