Gray
- Meaning
- Gray color; surname or short-form meanings can differ
- Origin
- English
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What does Gray mean?
Gray means “Gray color; surname or short-form meanings can differ”.
Gray is an English color word that also appears as a surname and as a short form of longer names. Those routes can overlap in a family's choice, but they should not be collapsed into one definition. In particular, a meaning associated with Grayson does not automatically become the literal meaning of the standalone color name Gray.
Grey is the other familiar spelling of the color and name. Gray is brief enough to remain the full everyday form, while Grayson supplies a longer option when that connection is intended. It is used for boys and girls. A family surname, a favorite color, and an honor shortening can each give the same four letters a different personal story.
Nicknames & variations
Explore short forms, spellings, and related names.
Variations & related forms
Related forms and spellings recorded for this name.
How popular is Gray?
United States · 2025Explore how often Gray is used and how its ranking has changed.
- US boys rank
- #1,418 2025 · #1 is most popular
- Boys named Gray
- 128 Recorded births in 2025
- Change in births
- 9.9% Fewer than 2024
Gray over time
United States · Boys
Recorded births
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Yearly data & usage
Rankings are calculated separately for girls and boys. The summary highlights boys, the most common recorded usage in 2025. Use the chart’s usage selector to explore both categories.
| Year | Usage | US rank | Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Boys | #1,418 | 128 |
| 2025 | Girls | #5,614 | 22 |
| 2024 | Boys | #1,345 | 142 |
| 2024 | Girls | #5,204 | 25 |
| 2023 | Boys | #1,175 | 175 |
| 2023 | Girls | #4,312 | 33 |
| 2022 | Boys | #1,209 | 164 |
| 2022 | Girls | #3,730 | 41 |
| 2021 | Boys | #1,180 | 167 |
| 2021 | Girls | #3,511 | 44 |
| 2020 | Boys | #1,237 | 151 |
| 2020 | Girls | #3,859 | 37 |
| 2019 | Boys | #1,219 | 156 |
| 2019 | Girls | #4,099 | 35 |
| 2018 | Boys | #1,246 | 148 |
| 2018 | Girls | #3,808 | 39 |
| 2017 | Boys | #1,259 | 145 |
| 2017 | Girls | #4,170 | 35 |
| 2016 | Boys | #1,270 | 144 |
| 2016 | Girls | #3,546 | 44 |
| 2015 | Boys | #1,275 | 141 |
| 2015 | Girls | #3,500 | 45 |
| 2014 | Boys | #1,353 | 127 |
| 2014 | Girls | #3,387 | 47 |
Years reflect available birth records. Missing records do not mean zero births.
Names like Gray
Explore the connection, then save your favorites to compare.
Grey
Unisex- Meaning
- The color grey
Listed as a related name to Gray.
Graysen
Unisex- Meaning
- Son of the steward, through Grayson
Listed as a related name to Gray.
Avery
Unisex- Meaning
- Ruler of the elves
Shares an origin with Gray.
Carter
Unisex- Meaning
- Transporter of goods by cart
Shares an origin with Gray.
Riley
Unisex- Meaning
- Rye clearing (English); Irish surname origin uncertain
Shares an origin with Gray.
Angel
Unisex- Meaning
- Angel; messenger
Shares an origin with Gray.
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