Home βΊ Baby Names Directory βΊ Ray
Ray
Pronounced RAY /ΛreΙͺ/High
Meaning: From the word ray ('a beam of light'), and/or a short form of Rachel ('ewe') or Raymond ('wise protector'); here for girls; routes layeredLow
Popularity in the U.S. Β· SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880βpresent). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Ray comes from the word ray, 'a beam of light', and is also a short form of Rachel β Hebrew, 'ewe' β or Raymond, Germanic, 'wise protector' (routes layered, which we note). A crisp, sunny name, used for both sexes, here for girls.
It registers thinly for girls. Rare for girls, a-beam-of-light at the root, and sunny.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Ray mean?
Ray means 'a beam of light', and is a short form of Rachel or Raymond; the routes are layered.
How do you pronounce Ray?
It's said RAY /ΛreΙͺ/ β a single syllable.
Is Ray a boy or girl name?
Ray is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a girl's name.
How popular is Ray?
Ray is rare for girls in the U.S.