Raye Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Raye originates from English and is derived from the Old French name 'Ray', which denotes 'counsel' or 'protector'. The name has evolved from Ray to Raye and is associated with a modern and trendy image. It does not have biblical relevance and saw a rise in popularity during the late 20th century. Notable people with this name include Raye, a singer-songwriter, and Raye McDonald, an author.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Raye"
Pronunciation
/reɪ/
Origin
English
Etymology
The name Raye is derived from the Old French name 'Ray', which is a diminutive of various names containing the element 'ray', meaning 'counsel' or 'protector'.
Meaning
counsel, protector
Language Evolution
Ray, Raye
Historical Usage
The name Raye gained popularity in the late 20th century as a modern variant, particularly in English-speaking countries.
Variants & Derivatives
Ray, Raya
Modern Popularity & Image
Raye is perceived as a trendy and contemporary name, often chosen for its unique sound and modern appeal.
Famous People
Raye (singer-songwriter), Raye McDonald (author)
📊 Raye Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Raye Name Visualizations
✨ Raye Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 74 peak births in 1956
Geographic Spread
Popular across 11 US states, with strongest presence in Texas
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Raye"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Raye"
"Raye" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 4628th of 7545 | 41 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 3290th of 6773 | 96 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 3032nd of 7552 | 142 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 7574th of 10718 | 21 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 15579th of 16616 | 6 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 1797th of 9107 | 379 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 1652nd of 9204 | 428 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 1609th of 12526 | 803 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 3592nd of 19264 | 285 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 8539th of 27321 | 125 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 13503rd of 35406 | 95 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 8892nd of 30306 | 142 |
Regional Popularity of "Raye" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Raye" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- |
89.20% 1230th/1379 |
100.00% 2366th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- |
100.00% 1556th/1556 |
73.99% 1741st/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
68.25% 1520th/2227 |
100.00% 2430th/2430 |
54.36% 1551st/2853 |
72.00% 1998th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - |
93.83% 3301st/3518 |
100.00% 4044th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Raye"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Raye" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Raye" in the United States
The name Raye is most popular in Texas, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Baby Boomers generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Raye has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Raye' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 4628th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 3290th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 3032nd out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 7574th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 15579th out of 16616 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1797th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1652nd out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1609th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 3592nd out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 8539th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 13503rd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 8892nd out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Raye' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.