Surname Ray - Meaning and Origin

Enlightenment through iGENEA DNA Test: Emotions, Ancestry, and the Legacy of the Surname Ray

Venturing into the world of genealogy with iGENEA DNA testing stirs a wave of emotions. It's an enlightening journey populated with revelations about one's lineage, invoking curiosity and fostering a profound connection with one's familial past. For me, the surname Ray took on a newfound historical significance and enriched my understanding of my place in the world.

K. Ray

Ray: What does the surname Ray mean?

The surname Ray originated from Britain and is derived from the Old Norse name "Ráđúlfr" or the Old French name "Rai." It has multiple meanings in different cultures and languages. In Norse, it means “advice”, “decision” or “counsel” while in French, it implies an “elan” or a “strip of land.” The name came into popular usage in Medieval England, often bestowed as a nickname for someone with regal bearing or someone who behaved in a kingly manner. It could also refer to someone who lived in a settlement or clearing. The name could be locational, originating from Rae in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, or the Isle of Rae. In some cases, the name Ray could also be an Anglicized form of the Irish name O'Riagáin, meaning "descendant of Riagán." It's also important to note that Ray is used among Indian communities, deriving from the Sanskrit term "Raja" meaning "king." Therefore, the meaning of the last name Ray is context-specific and possibly associated with royalty, decision-making, or specific geographical locations.

Ray: Where does the name Ray come from?

The surname Ray is derived from the Old French term "rei", meaning king. This surname was often used as an occupational name for an actor who played the role of a king in medieval pageants. Sometimes, it was a nickname for someone who conducted themselves in a regal manner or who had earned the title in some contest of skill.

Ray is also found as a surname in Indian and Nepal Hindu communities, derived from the Sanskrit term "raja", again meaning king. In this context, it's often spelt as "Roy".

The surname Ray is common today in the English-speaking world including England, the United States, Canada, and Australia. In non-English speaking countries, it is found commonly in France. According to Forebears, after India and the United States, Bangladesh has the highest number of people with this last name. Additionally, as "Roy", it's prevalent in the Indian state of West Bengal, and the neighbouring country of Bangladesh.

Variations of the surname Ray

The surname Ray has various spellings, variants, and associated surnames that originated from different cultures and languages. These include Rae, Rea, Wray, and Reye, surnames mostly found in the British Isles. Surnames like McRae and MacRae are related to Ray, originating from Scotland, denoting "son of Ray".

In French, the surname Le Ray is quite common. Other continental European variations of the surname can include Rais, Rai, and Rey. Variant spellings can be influenced by geographical origin, dialect, or even a simple preference of one family.

Ray can also be a diminutive for Raimondo or Raymond, thereby linking it to these surnames.

In India, Ray is often a Bengali Brahmin surname, though the spelling “Roy” is more common. It was sometimes anglicised to Ray by those in East India under British colonial rule.

Rhee or Lee may also be anglicizations of the very common Korean surname 'Rhee'.

It's important to note that while these surnames have similar spellings or sound similar to Ray, they may not necessarily have the same origins or mean the same thing, as surnames can be influenced by various factors, including occupation, geographical location, or a notable ancestor.

Famous people with the name Ray

• Ray Romano: actor, stand-up comedian, and writer
• Ray Charles: legendary jazz and blues pianist, singer, and composer
• Ray Parker Jr.: Grammy-winning R&B, soul, funk, and pop musician
• Ray Liotta: actor known for his roles in Goodfellas and Field of Dreams
• Ray J: R&B singer, television personality, and actor
• Ray Allen: NBA Hall-of-Famer and former professional basketball player
• Ray Stevens: country music singer and songwriter
• Ray Davies: co-founder of The Kinks and legendary British singer-songwriter
• Ray Wise: acclaimed Emmy-winning actor known for his roles in Twin Peaks and Reaper
• Ray Manzarek: co-founder and keyboardist of The Doors
• Ray Liuzza: two-time Grammy-nominated singer and mandolin player
• Ray Bradbury: one of the most renowned science-fiction authors of all-time
• Ray McKinnon: Golden Globe-winning actor, writer, and director
• Ray Bolger: celebrated Broadway star, singer, and dancer best known for his role as the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz
• Ray Bolger Jr.: son of Ray Bolger and Broadway actor, choreographer, and director
• Ray Dolby: founder of Dolby Laboratories and inventor of the Dolby Sound System
• Ray Greene: three-time Emmy-winning producer, director, and actor
• Ray Mancini: retired professional boxer and former WBC Lightweight Champion
• Ray McAnally: revered Irish character actor known for his roles in My Left Foot and The Mission
• Ray Johnston: Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter

Other surnames

RaybornRaybournRayburnRayeRayganRaykesRaylRayleRaylesRaylsRaymackersRaymaekersRaymakerRaymakersRaymannRaymannsRaymantRaymeRaymentRaymerRaymirRaymonRaymondRaymontRaymundRaymuntRaynaudRaynerRaynes