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Trey

♂ Boy

Pronounced TRAY /treɪ/High

Meaning: From Middle English and Old French treis meaning three; traditionally given to a third child, a son named III (the third), or someone associated with the number threeHigh

In 30 seconds: Trey is an English name from Old French treis meaning three, traditionally given to a third son or a child designated III, and now used as a bold one-syllable given name with a modern, confident American feel.
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Origin HighEnglish, French
MeaningFrom Middle English and Old French treis meaning three; traditionally given to a third child, a son named III (the third), or someone associated with the number three
U.S. rank (2025)#890 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births269 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1999
Total births (all-time)≈ 40,465

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 199919482025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Trey derives from Old French treis (three), itself from Latin tres. The word entered Middle English as a term in card games (the three of any suit) and dice games. In American English the nickname Trey became associated with boys who bear the suffix III (the third) in their full names — for example, a William Jones III who goes by Trey. This numeral-nickname tradition has deep roots in Southern American culture, where dynastic naming with repeating given names across generations is common.

By the late 20th century Trey was being given as an independent given name, no longer tied exclusively to being the third generation bearer of a name. It fits neatly within the American fashion for short, punchy one-syllable boys names — alongside names like Chase, Blake, Cole, and Wade. The name carries a breezy, sporty quality and has been used by several well-known athletes and musicians. Rapper Trey Songz (born Tremaine) brought the name into music culture.

Did you know? In card games, a trey is the three card in any suit — and in dice, a trey is a face showing three pips — making Trey one of the very few English given names that directly derives from a gambling term.
Overall data confidence 90%
Behind the Name — Trey — etymology and usageOxford English Dictionary — trey — Old French treis etymology

Variations

TreTreye

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

  • ★Trey Songz (1984–present)
    American R&B singer and actor born Tremaine Aldon Neverson, known for multiple platinum albums and hits in the 2000s and 2010s.

If you like Trey…

Chase— one-syllable American boys name with the same sporty, confident energy
Blake— one-syllable name with a comparable modern, breezy masculine feel
Cole— one-syllable boys name sharing Trey's short, punchy character
Wade— one-syllable boys name with the same easygoing American confidence

Frequently Asked

What does the name Trey mean?

Trey comes from Old French treis meaning three; it is traditionally given to a third child or a son who carries the suffix III after his full name.

How do you pronounce Trey?

It is said TRAY — one syllable, rhyming with day.

Is Trey a nickname or a real name?

Trey began as a nickname for third-generation bearers of a name (III) but is now commonly given as a standalone first name.

Is Trey a boy or girl name?

Trey is used almost exclusively as a boys name.