What does Raymond mean and where does it come from?
Raymond is traditionally a male name, derived from the Germanic words 'ragin', meaning 'counsel', and 'mund', meaning 'protector'. It became popular as a given name in medieval France and subsequently spread to England and other parts of Europe. While originally male, Raymond has been adopted as a u
Cultural significance
Raymond has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in France-speaking communities, where it reflects values of counselor-protector.
Peak popularity
Reached #14 in 1919 — currently #360 in the US.
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Related Reading
France-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Raymond?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Raymond?
Raymond works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Raymond Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Raymond Rose
Floral · soft ending
Raymond Mae
Sweet · timeless
Raymond Claire
French influence · crisp
Raymond Jane
Literary · strong
Raymond Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Raymond right now?
Declining — down 17 spots — currently #360 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #360 | 904 | ▼ down 17 · -7% births |
| 2022 | #343 | 967 | ▼ down 12 · -2% births |
| 2021 | #331 | 990 | ▼ down 19 · -6% births |
| 2020 | #312 | 1,048 | ▼ down 53 · -24% births |
| 2015 | #259 | 1,383 | ▼ down 34 · -13% births |
| 2010 | #225 | 1,583 | ▼ down 29 · -19% births |
| 2005 | #196 | 1,962 | ▼ down 34 · -18% births |
| 2000 | #162 | 2,402 | ▼ down 38 · -18% births |
| 1995 | #124 | 2,922 | ▼ down 32 · -28% births |
| 1990 | #92 | 4,061 | ▼ down 18 · -1% births |
| 1985 | #74 | 4,089 | ▼ down 8 · -11% births |
| 1980 | #66 | 4,579 | ▼ down 3 · +1% births |
| 1975 | #63 | 4,529 | ▼ down 14 · -33% births |
| 1970 | #49 | 6,789 | ▼ down 4 · -16% births |
| 1965 | #45 | 8,050 | — |
The story of Raymond
Raymond has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #14 in 1919. Over 779K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. Once ranked #87 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #360 in 2023. Raymond is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Raymond in 1919:
Raymond by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 3,135 | |
| 1890s | 7,589 | |
| 1900s | 11,689 | |
| 1910s | 72,095 | |
| 1920s ★ | 124,865 | |
| 1930s | 100,060 | |
| 1940s | 109,436 | |
| 1950s | 109,278 | |
| 1960s | 82,241 | |
| 1970s | 49,783 | |
| 1980s | 41,815 | |
| 1990s | 31,826 | |
| 2000s | 20,416 | |
| 2010s | 13,331 | |
| 2020s | 1,048 | |
What are good nicknames for Raymond?
ENGLISH
RaeRaeleneRaelynRamonaRaylene
What names sound and feel like Raymond?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Raymond also consider these
How is Raymond written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Raymond?
Common questions about the name Raymond
What does the name Raymond mean?
Raymond means "counselor-protector" — a name rooted in France 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 Raymond?
Raymond is currently ranked #360 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Raymond?
Raymond originates from France tradition. France 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 Raymond?
Raymond is a two-syllable name pronounced R EY1 M AH0 N D. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Raymond more of a girl or boy name?
Raymond is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.