Raye
Raye is a girl's name of English origin.
Meaning
Grace or ewe; counsel or protection (depending on connection to Rachel or Raymond).
Origin and history
Raye is a feminine given name that originated as a spelling variant of Rae, itself a short form of Rachel or a feminine form of Raymond. In the United States, it has remained a relatively uncommon choice, often appearing as a middle name or a short, distinctive modern primary name.
Popularity in the United States
2,297 babies in the United States have been named Raye since 1880. It ranks #3675 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #2007.
States where it is most popular
- TX (50 %)
- CA (13.4 %)
- OH (9.7 %)
- NY (6.9 %)
- IL (4.6 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 6 |
| 1890-1900 | 11 |
| 1900-1910 | 38 |
| 1910-1920 | 177 |
| 1920-1930 | 204 |
| 1930-1940 | 197 |
| 1940-1950 | 341 |
| 1950-1960 | 456 |
| 1960-1970 | 323 |
| 1970-1980 | 154 |
| 1980-1990 | 82 |
| 1990-2000 | 83 |
| 2000-2010 | 44 |
| 2010-2019 | 87 |
| 2020-2029 | 94 |
Fun facts
- Raye adds an silent 'e' to the traditional short form Rae, giving it a classic literary appearance.
- The name experienced modest usage in the mid-20th century both as a middle name and a tailored first name.