McCray

“Son of the gray one”

American origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#11757US 2023

6Births / yr

↑Rising

36All-time births

📅 Since 199500

What does McCray mean and where does it come from?

The surname McCray is of Gaelic origins, typically derived from the Scottish surname MacRae. It implies lineage or descent from someone with the name Gray. The McCray surname may also carry connotations of family heritage and may have historical connections to specific regions in Scotland. Notable i

Cultural significance

McCray has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of son of the gray one.

Peak popularity

Reached #10221 in 1995 — currently #11757 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with McCray?

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

McCray Grace

How popular is McCray right now?

Rising fast — up 1896 spots — currently #11757 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1995–2023#11757 · Top 8.7%

1995

2005

2015

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#11757	6	▲ up 1896 · +20% births
2022	#13653	5	▼ down 740
2015	#12913	5	▼ down 399
2005	#12514	5	▼ down 2293
1995	#10221	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for McCray

Best Year1995Rank #10221

Peak Count6

Average Rank#12212

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range1995 - 20235 years

The story of McCray

McCray is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1995. With 36 total births recorded, McCray remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #10221 in 1995, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #11757 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside McCray in 1995:

Michael Matthew Christopher Jacob Joshua

McCray by decade

McCray peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →

Decade	Births
1990s	5
2000s	15
2010s ★	16

💎McCray has only 36 total recorded births since 1995 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for McCray?

Common

MccMccrayieMccrayy

What names sound and feel like McCray?

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

Mcray

American · Son of the

Macray

USA · Scottish

McCarty

American · son of the

McCall

American · son of the

Cray

American · from the marsh

McCrae

Scotland · Son of the

Tyray

American · Tyray is a

Jahray

American · A modern invented

Common questions about the name McCray

What does the name McCray mean?

McCray means "Son of the gray one" — 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 McCray?

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

What is the cultural origin of McCray?

McCray 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 does McCray sound with different last names?

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

Is McCray trending right now?

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