Raye

♀ Girl

Pronounced RAY /ˈreɪ/Medium

Meaning: A spelling of Rae/Ray — variously the English word 'a beam of light' and a short form of Rachel ('a ewe', Hebrew); routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: A beam of light; a ewe: Raye spells Rae/Ray. Crisp, modern, and warm (said 'RAY').

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Origin LowEnglish, Hebrew

MeaningA spelling of Rae/Ray — variously the English word 'a beam of light' and a short form of Rachel ('a ewe', Hebrew); routes layered

U.S. rank (2025)#6769 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births17 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1956

Total births (all-time)≈ 2,296

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

Raye is a spelling of Rae/Ray — variously the English word 'a beam of light' and a short form of Rachel ('a ewe', Hebrew; routes layered, which we note). A crisp, modern name (said 'RAY').

In the U.S. it appears as a spelling of Rae. Rare in this form, a-beam-of-light at the root, and modern.

Did you know? Rae/Ray is variously the English word 'a beam of light' and a short form of Rachel ('a ewe', Hebrew) — Raye is a spelling, crisp and modern (the routes are layered, which we note; said 'RAY').

Overall data confidence 40%

References — Rae — routes layered

Variations

RaeRayRey

Nicknames

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If you like Raye…

Rae— the standard spelling

Ray— a kin spelling

Rey— a fellow spelling

Faye— a sound-neighbor -aye girls' name

Explore names like Raye

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Raye mean?

Raye spells Rae/Ray — variously 'a beam of light' and a short form of Rachel ('a ewe'); the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Raye?

It's said RAY /ˈreɪ/ — one syllable.

Is Raye a boy or girl name?

Raye is a girl's name.

How popular is Raye?

Raye is a rare spelling in the U.S.