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Grey

♀ Girl

Pronounced GRAY /ɡreɪ/High

Meaning: Grey-haired or of grey colour; from Old English graeg, originally a surname for someone with grey hairHigh

In 30 seconds: A sleek, modern colour name meaning 'grey,' Grey has risen sharply as a girls' name with a cool, minimalist aesthetic. One syllable, infinite style — a name that feels both timeless and entirely now.
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Origin HighOld English
MeaningGrey-haired or of grey colour; from Old English graeg, originally a surname for someone with grey hair
U.S. rank (2024)#3085 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births52 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2021
Total births (all-time)≈ 1,021

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202119902024

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

History & Origin

Grey derives from the Old English graeg, meaning the colour grey, which became a hereditary English surname for individuals distinguished by grey hair. The Grey family was one of England's most powerful noble families; Lady Jane Grey reigned briefly as Queen of England in 1553. As a given name, Grey began appearing for both sexes in the late 20th century.

The name Grey accelerated in popularity for girls in the 2000s and 2010s, helped by cultural touchstones including the medical drama Grey's Anatomy (2005–present) and the novel and film series Fifty Shades of Grey. Its single-syllable punch and neutral yet sophisticated colour association make it a contemporary favourite.

Did you know? Grey is the preferred British spelling, while Gray is more common in the U.S. — yet as a given name, the Grey form has become more popular for girls, partly influenced by the TV drama Grey's Anatomy.
Overall data confidence 92%
Behind the Name — Grey — Old English root and surname historyOxford Dictionary of English Surnames — Grey as a hereditary surnameU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data context

Variations

GrayGraye

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

  • ★Lady Jane Grey (1537–1554)
    English noblewoman and one of the most learned young women of her era, briefly proclaimed Queen of England in 1553.

If you like Grey…

Gray— the American spelling variant of the identical name
Blake— one-syllable colour-adjacent surname name rising for girls
Sloane— sleek, sophisticated one-syllable surname name for girls
Sage— one-syllable nature/colour word name with the same minimalist cool

Frequently Asked

What does the name Grey mean?

Grey means 'grey-haired' or 'of grey colour,' from Old English graeg. It was originally a surname for grey-haired individuals.

How do you pronounce Grey?

Grey is pronounced GRAY /ɡreɪ/ — one syllable.

Is Grey a boy or girl name?

Grey is used for both boys and girls but has become especially popular for girls in recent years.

How popular is Grey?

Grey has been steadily climbing U.S. charts for girls since the 2010s, boosted by popular culture references.