What does Leray mean and where does it come from?
Leray is a modern invented name that blends a contemporary sound with traditional naming conventions. It is predominantly used in the United States and has gained popularity in recent years. The name Leray can be seen as a blend of the names 'Lee' and 'Ray,' where 'Lee' can mean 'meadow' or 'field',
Cultural significance
Leray has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of the king's advisor.
Peak popularity
Reached #2929 in 1935 — currently #1948 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Leray?
Leray works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Leray Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Leray Rose
Floral · soft ending
Leray Mae
Sweet · timeless
Leray Claire
French influence · crisp
Leray Jane
Literary · strong
Leray Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Leray right now?
Holding steady — currently #1948 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1948 | 252 | ▲ up 5 · +9% births |
| 2022 | #1953 | 232 | ▲ up 5 · +15% births |
| 2021 | #1958 | 202 | ▲ up 3779 · +3267% births |
| 1980 | #5737 | 6 | ▼ down 1897 · +20% births |
| 1940 | #3840 | 5 | ▼ down 911 · -37% births |
| 1935 | #2929 | 8 | ▲ up 1011 · +33% births |
| 1930 | #3940 | 6 | ▼ down 455 · -25% births |
| 1920 | #3485 | 8 | — |
The story of Leray
Leray entered American naming records in 1920 and has been in use for over 104 years. With 174 total births recorded, Leray remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3485 in 1920 to #1948 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Leray in 1935:
Leray by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1920s ★ | 45 | |
| 1930s | 36 | |
| 1940s | 22 | |
| 1950s | 10 | |
| 1960s | 10 | |
| 1970s | 16 | |
| 1980s | 35 | |
💎Leray has only 174 total recorded births since 1920 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Leray?
What names sound and feel like Leray?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Leray also consider these
Common questions about the name Leray
What does the name Leray mean?
Leray means "The king's advisor" — 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 Leray?
Leray is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Leray?
Leray 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 Leray?
Leray is a two-syllable name pronounced L AH0 R EY1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Leray a common or rare name?
Leray is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.