Bray

Meaning of Bray

Tracing its roots to Anglo-Norman France and appearing in medieval Latin charters as de Braye, the name Bray (/breɪ/) began as a toponymic surname denoting marshland (from Old French brai) before anchoring itself in Irish geography via the seaside town in County Wicklow. Over centuries, its single-syllable clarity has aligned with modern tastes for concise, nature-inspired names. In the United States, Bray has climbed steadily from occasional entries in the late 1980s to secure the 878th spot in 2024 with 46 newborns bearing the name, reflecting a modest but consistent rise. The name’s blend of Latin-tinged administrative origins and Celtic place-name resonance underpins a cross-cultural appeal, coupling historic depth with an unadorned contemporary edge.

Pronunciation

English

• Pronunced as BRAY (/breɪ/)

• Ray
• Gray
• Brayden
• Braxton
• Braylon