Ray

Updated: September 30, 2023 by Stephanie Graham

Ray is a perennial favorite among baby names for boys. Unmatched in its simplicity, the name Ray has jazzy overtones that have made an undeniable impact on popular culture. Ray Crisp is a well-known character in the Marvel Comics universe, and Ray “Atom” Palmer is also a popular character in the DC Comics universe. Keep reading to learn more about this baby name.

Meaning and Origin of the name Ray:

Ray is typically a boy's name, but it is sometimes used as a girl's name. The Old Germanic meaning of Ray is “protective advisor,” “wise counselor,” and “wise protector.” The Latin meaning is “light beam,” and the Arabic meaning is “watered,” “luxuriant,” and “plentiful.”

Ray is a given name with several possible origins. Foremost, Ray is the short form of the name Raymond. This name originated from the Old Norman French name Raimund and ultimately derived from the Old Germanic name Raginmund. As a compound name, Ragimund merged the elements ragin (meaning “advisor” or “counsel”) and mund (meaning “protection”). Some researchers also believe that Raymond derived from the related name Hraidmund. The name combined hraid (meaning “fame”) with mund (meaning “protection”).

Alternatively, Ray may originate from the Middle English words raie or raye. These words derive from the Old French word rai and ultimately descend from the Latin word radius (meaning “light beam”). Ray is also the short form of the Arabic name Rayan (ريان‎). Also spelled Rayyan, this name means “luxuriant” or “plentiful” in Middle Eastern culture.

Symbolism of the name Ray:

Ray is a diminutive of Raymond (meaning “protective advisor” or Rayyan (meaning “luxuriant”). The name can also derive from the Latin word radius or radii (meaning “light beam”). In classical antiquity, symbols for the radius included the sun ray as well as the spokes of the chariot wheel.

Style of the name Ray:

Classic

Gender of the name Ray:

Ray is a boy's name.

Pronunciation of the name Ray:

RĀY

Number of syllables in the name Ray:

One

Emotion evoked from the name Ray:

The name Ray evokes feelings of talent and triumph.

Alternative spellings for the name Ray:

Raye
Rey
Rae
Rai

Nicknames for the name Ray:

Ray is already a nickname of the name Raymond. Finding a good nickname for Ray may be a little difficult since the name is already so short and has one syllable. Nicknames aren't always shorter than the full name. We have a few nicknames you can use for your baby boy.

Ra
Aye
Ray-Ray

Fun Nicknames for the name Ray:

Since Ray is already a nickname of Raymond, and since it's already such a short name, you can use a fun nickname for your baby boy. Fun nicknames are very personal and show a deep connection with your child. You can have a lot of fun with these nicknames. You can even switch it up and use several. Here are some cute and unique nicknames you can use.