Gray

♂ Boy

Pronounced GRAY /ɡreɪ/Low

Meaning: The color gray; grey-hairedLow

In 30 seconds: Gray is an English word-name meaning the color grey, also used as a surname for grey-haired individuals. As a given name it has a sophisticated artistic quality associated with elegance, nuance, and complexity.

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Origin LowEnglish

MeaningThe color gray; grey-haired

U.S. rank (2025)#1418 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births128 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2023

Total births (all-time)≈ 5,166

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Gray is an Old English word-name from grag meaning grey-colored. It was used as a surname for grey-haired individuals. As a given name it is a modern minimalist choice.

Gray has a sleek minimalist quality that appeals to parents who want a one-syllable name with artistic and sophisticated associations.

Did you know? The color gray has long been associated with sophistication, urban elegance, and the nuanced middle ground between extremes. Gray as a name carries all of these qualities — it is a name of complexity and artistic subtlety.

Overall data confidence 90%

Behind the Name: Gray

Variations

GreyGraye

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Gray Davis (1942-present)
American attorney and politician who served as the 37th Governor of California (commonly known by his first name Gray)

If you like Gray…

Grey— Standard English spelling

Slate— Color name of same sophisticated quality

Ash— Color name of same minimalist feel

Cole— Dark color name of same one-syllable structure

Explore names like Gray

By themeenglish word-name one-syllable gender-neutral color minimalist

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Frequently Asked

What does Gray mean?

Gray means the color grey in Old English.

Is Gray a boy or girl name?

Gray is gender-neutral and used for both boys and girls.

How do you pronounce Gray?

Gray is pronounced GRAY, a single syllable.

What names are similar to Gray?

Similar minimalist names include Grey, Ash, and Slate.