Laray
the cheerful one
Latin origin · Unisex name
51% boys49% 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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Related Reading
Latin-origin baby names with timeless appeal
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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 Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Laray Rose
Floral · soft ending
Laray Mae
Sweet · timeless
Laray Claire
French influence · crisp
Laray Jane
Literary · strong
Laray Skye
Modern · airy feel
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Laray
Browse ideas →

How popular is Laray right now?

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

US Trend 19452022#10407 · Top 7.7%
1945
1950
1960
1965
1970
1980
1995
2010
2015
2021
2022
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2022#104077▼ down 3015 · -36% births
2021#739211▲ up 9269 · +120% births
2015#166615▼ down 6126 · -50% births
2010#1053510▼ down 2925 · -9% births
1995#761011▼ down 30 · +38% births
1980#75808▼ down 2729 · -27% births
1970#485111▲ up 648 · +57% births
1965#54997▲ up 469 · +17% births
1960#59686▼ down 234 · +20% births
1950#57345▼ down 721
1945#50135

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 →

DecadeBirths
1920s11
1930s11
1940s37
1950s49
1960s114
1970s121
1980s144
1990s122
2000s79
2010s66
💎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

L(
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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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.