Surname Wray - Meaning and Origin

Tracing the threads of time- An inward journey through my iGENEA DNA test results on the surname Wray

The iGENEA DNA Test unveiled a journey across time and landscapes. It turns out, the legacy of my surname, 'Wray', is entwined with the Old Norse Vikings who lived in remote areas, with a strong trail in western Europe and a formidable presence across the continent in the Neolithic period. The discovery has left me with newfound appreciation and curiosity for my ancestry.

P. Wray

Wray: What does the surname Wray mean?

The surname Wray originates from England and is a topographic name for someone who resided in a remote or outlying area. It is derived from the Old Norse noun "vra", meaning "nook" or "corner", indicating a secluded spot or secret place - often referring to a piece of land that is remote, isolated or situated in a nook or corner of the countryside. This term was used chiefly in Northern Middle English and was relatively common in various forms throughout northern England and Scotland. The regions of Lancashire and Yorkshire have many place names with this word. The surname could also have been acquired by someone who originally lived in a place named Wray, Wrea or Wreay. Over centuries, the surname had numerous variations including Wray, Wra, Wreay and others. Some families with this name would later migrate, spreading the name notably to the United States and Australia.

Wray: Where does the name Wray come from?

The surname Wray is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English word "wra," which translates to a corner, nook, or a remote place. Therefore, Wray roughly translates to "dweller at the remote place" and would have been assigned to families living in such areas. It is also possible that it might be locational and stem from places named Wray in Lancashire and the North Riding of Yorkshire.

Today, the surname Wray is most common in the United States, followed by England. In the US, it is especially prevalent in North Carolina. It can also be found in Canada and Australia. Despite its British origin, it is not as common in the United Kingdom as in these countries. However, within the UK, it is found more frequently in Lancashire and Yorkshire, areas with place names matching the surname. The distribution of the surname Wray in these locations may reflect historical patterns of migration. Overall, the surname Wray, though not extremely common, has a presence in English-speaking countries around the globe.

Variations of the surname Wray

The surname Wray originates from the Old Norse word "vra", which means "nook" or "corner". This indicates that the first bearers of the Wray surname likely lived in a remote or secluded spot. Variations and spellings of the same origin for Wray include Wra, Wrae, Wraay, and Wrey.

The surname has also been associated with the Norse surname Vrá, carried by Viking settlers who migrated to northern England and Scotland in the early Middle Ages. Hence, it may also be tied to names of Norse origin.

Different phonetic spellings and variants could include Rray, Reay, Wrays, or even Rhea in some regions. Another version is the common surname Ray, as in some regional accents the pronunciation of Wray and Ray may merge.

In some cases, Wray can be a shortened version of other surnames such as Wrayford or McWray. Likewise, it could be part of compound surnames, like Wray-Smith or Wray-Taylor.

It's also worth noting that the time period, regional dialects, and personal literation skills heavily influenced the spelling of surnames in history, leading to numerous spelling variations.

Famous people with the name Wray

• Link Wray: American rock guitarist, a pioneer of instrument distortion who performed rock and roll music.
• Fay Wray: Canadian actress who achieved early Hollywood stardom.
• Dee Dee Wray: American country singer and songwriter who recorded a number of popular duets with her husband, Bill Wray.
• Buster Wray: English professional footballer who played mainly in midfield.
• Bill Wray: American country music artist and songwriter.
• Ray Wray: American comedian, actor, and radio and television presenter.
• Homer Wray: American producer and recording engineer best known for working for Disney.
• Joba Wray: American guitarist and songwriter from North Carolina.
• Stanley Wray: English footballer who played predominately in the Football League.
• Craig Wray: American video game musician who composed several scores.
• Wally Wray: Australian entertainer and stand-up comedian.
• Phyllis Wray: English mezzo-soprano singer who was active in the 1920s and 1930s.

Other surnames

WrabetzWranaWrannaWraye