Bray is an English surname that originated from the Old Norse word "bráðr," which means "sword." The name was likely given to a warrior or someone who carried a sword. It is also possible that Bray is derived from the Old French word "brai," which means "marshy ground" or "bog," and may have been given to someone who lived near such terrain.
The surname Bray has a long history in England, with records dating back to the 13th century. In the early days of the name's existence, it was often spelled "Braye," but over time, the spelling evolved to its current form. The name is believed to have originated in Normandy, France, before being brought to England by the Norman conquerors after the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
Today, Bray is still a relatively uncommon surname, with only around 25,000 people bearing the name worldwide. However, it has gained some notable fame in recent years thanks to celebrities such as British actress Rachel Bray and American actor David Bray. Despite its rarity, Bray remains an intriguing and historically significant name that continues to capture the imagination of those who learn about its origins and meaning.
The name Bray has seen a varied popularity over the years in the United States, with fluctuations in the number of babies being given this name annually.
In 1997, there were 6 newborns named Bray. This number saw a slight increase to 7 births in 2011, followed by another rise to 9 births each in 2016 and 2019. However, the popularity of the name has not been consistent over time. After reaching its peak with 9 births in both 2016 and 2019, there was a decrease to 6 births in 2020, followed by another drop to 5 births in 2021. Interestingly, the number of newborns named Bray rebounded slightly in 2022 with 8 births.
In total, over these eight years from 1997 to 2022, there were 56 babies born in the United States who were given the name Bray. While it is clear that Bray has not been among the most popular names during this period, its popularity has varied and shown signs of resurgence recently.