Bray is a name of Irish origin and it means "wide or broad". It is believed to have been derived from the Irish word "bré," which refers to an expanse or a wide area. Bray was originally used as a surname, but over time it has become more commonly used as a given name for males.
The name Bray can be traced back to medieval Ireland, where it was often associated with families who lived near wide rivers or valleys. One of the earliest known references to the name Bray is in the Annals of the Four Masters, which is an Irish chronicle that covers the period from 431 AD to 1540 AD. In this text, a man named Giolla na Naomh Brea (which translates to "devotee of the saints of Bray") is mentioned.
Today, Bray is still a popular name in Ireland and other parts of the world where there is a strong Irish influence. It has also gained popularity as a given name for females in recent years. While it may not be one of the most commonly used names, Bray continues to be appreciated for its unique sound and Irish heritage.
In terms of notable figures with the name Bray, there are a few that stand out. One is Bray Wyatt, who is a professional wrestler for WWE. His real name is Windham Rotunda, but he performs under the stage name Bray Wyatt. Another notable figure is Brayden Curry, an American child actor known for his role in the television series "Modern Family". Despite these examples, it's important to note that having the name Bray does not necessarily mean that one will become famous or follow a particular career path.
In summary, Bray is a name of Irish origin that means "wide or broad". It has a rich history dating back to medieval Ireland and continues to be used as both a given name and surname today. While it may not be one of the most popular names, Bray remains a unique and meaningful choice for parents looking to honor their Irish heritage or simply select a distinctive name for their child.
The statistics for the given name Bray in the United States from 1970 to 2023 show a steady increase in its popularity over time.
In the early years recorded, there were relatively few births with this name, ranging from just 5 births in 1971 to 9 births in 1970. However, starting around the mid-1980s, we begin to see an upward trend. Between 1983 and 2002, the number of annual births with the name Bray fluctuated between 5 and 14.
The turning point seems to occur around the year 2003, where there were 14 births recorded that year. From then on, the popularity of the name Bray began to surge significantly. By 2014, it reached an all-time high with 40 births recorded that year. Although there have been some fluctuations since then, the number of births continues to be consistently high, with 35 births in both 2021 and 2023.
In total, from 1970 to 2023, there were 655 births recorded with the name Bray in the United States. This steady increase over time indicates that the name Bray has gained popularity as a choice for parents when naming their children.