Trei

♂ Boy

Pronounced TRAY /ˈtɹeɪ/Medium

Meaning: Trei is a modern respelling of Trey, from an old English word for 'three' (as in a card's three-spot, from Old French treis). It is traditionally given to a third-generation namesake — the third John, the third Michael — and reads that way still.Low

In 30 seconds: One bright beat meaning 'three': Trei respells Trey, long given to a third-generation namesake (said 'TRAY').

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Origin LowEnglish

MeaningTrei is a modern respelling of Trey, from an old English word for 'three' (as in a card's three-spot, from Old French treis). It is traditionally given to a third-generation namesake — the third John, the third Michael — and reads that way still.

U.S. rank (2024)#14017 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1993

Total births (all-time)≈ 154

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

Trei is a modern respelling of Trey, which comes from an old English gaming word for 'three,' via Old French treis. American families have long used Trey as a nickname for the third man to bear a name, and it became a given name in its own right in the late twentieth century. The -ei spelling is a recent variation, which we note (said 'TRAY').

It appears only rarely for boys in the U.S. in this spelling. Rare as spelled, familiar in sound.

Did you know? Trey is card-table slang for a three — and the reason so many men called John Smith III answer to it. Trei is a newer spelling of the same idea (said 'TRAY').

Overall data confidence 45%

References — Trei — Respelling of Trey; 'three' via Old French treis; third-generation namesake use

Variations

TreyTrayTre

Nicknames

TreT

Famous Bearers

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If you like Trei…

Trey— the standard spelling Trei varies

Tre— a same short form in wide use

Kai— a like crisp one-beat name

Jai— a matching bright single beat

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Trei mean?

Trei is a spelling of Trey, from an old English word for 'three.' It is traditionally given to a third-generation namesake.

How do you pronounce Trei?

It's said TRAY /ˈtɹeɪ/ — one syllable.

Is Trei a boy or girl name?

Trei is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Trei?

Trei is a very rare spelling for boys in the U.S.