Gray leads the pack of possible color names for boys.
Thanks to Leah for suggesting our Baby Name of the Day, and Molly Sims’ new son for inspiring the update.
Gray: A or E?
British English prefers the ‘e’ spelling. Sometime during the nineteenth century, the ‘a’ became standard in American English. By the time the Confederate Army took to the field during the US Civil War, they were “the boys in gray.”
Both spellings have been worn as surnames for generations. Tea drinkers recognize the nineteenth century Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey, he of tea. Charles came from a prominent family, served as prime minister of Great Britain. Stories about how the bergamot-flavored tea came to bear his name vary, but the name stuck.
Nineteenth century surgeon Henry Gray compiled the very first edition of Gray’s Anatomy back in 1838. The anatomy textbook remains in print today, currently on the 41st edition.
The long-running television series spells it with an ‘e’, of course – inspired by main character Dr. Meredith Grey.
Gray: Surname Name
In many cases, the surname referred to hair color. Or beard color.
But not always!
Anchetil de Greye traveled to England with William the Conqueror. Greye likely came from the Calvados region of Normandy, from a place known as Graye-sur-Mer. The English village of Rotherfield Greys also bears his name.
The place name seems to come from the Latin gratus – thankful, rather than the color.
Between 1895 and 1901, the ‘a’ spelling appeared in the US Top 1000 a handful of times – just like so many other surnames.
Gray: And Company
A handful of famous figures answer to the name. Former California governor Gray Davis seems like the most well-known. He was born Joseph Graham Davis, Jr.
But the story belongs to names that start with Gray. In 2002, The Nanny Diaries gave us a privileged kid called Grayer. The chart-toppers add the popular -son ending: Grayson ranked #47 in 2015, up more than 200 places in a decade. Greyson’s rise seems even more dramatic, gaining over 450 places to reach #111 over the same time period.
Only in the last few years has Grey caught on. It entered the US Top 1000 in 2013, and now stands at #916.
Gray: By the Numbers
As of 2015, 141 boys and 45 girls received the ‘a’ spelling of the name. The ‘e’ spelling comes out ahead, given to 233 boys and 70 girls.
Count Molly Sims among the most recent moms to embrace the name. She recently welcomed son Grey Douglas, a little brother for Brooks and Scarlett. A few years earlier, Blossom alum Jenna von Oy chose the name – and the ‘a’ spelling – for a daughter.
Gray: Future Favorite?
This name succeeds for so many reasons.
- Links to longer names, like Grayson, explain some of the appeal.
- And of course, parents have embraced short names for boys in recent years. Gray seems less turbo-charged than Jax, yet more slightly traditional than Kai.
- Color names, like Ruby and Violet, feature throughout the girls’ Top 1000. Gray seems a likely choice for boys.
- Speaking of color, while we sometimes use it to describe dreary skies or a less-than-upbeat mood, we also find good in gray. It feels soft, but also steely. It signals a sort of cool, modern sleekness – and also a hand-knit comfort.
One question remains, of course. What will the Fifty Shades franchise do to this name? The character in the book answered to the name Christian Grey – the same spelling currently preferred by parents.
If you’re after a name that combines a certain edge with a traditional vibe, Gray might be the name for you.
Do you prefer the ‘a’ or the ‘e’ spelling? Would you rather use Greyson or Grayer or Grady or any other name besides just plain Gray? Or do you like it short and sweet?
This post first appeared on July 13, 2010. Following substantial revision, it was reposted on January 25, 2017.
I named my daughter Catherine Grey. The name Grey is a family name, and my husband and I want to call her Grey. Most people say they love the name, but we have also gotten some disapproval. I think it is a beautiful name, and I like “Grey” because it is different. But I have questioned our decision, as names are so important. I laughed at one comment about the red haired Grey, as my husband is a red head and I thought “that could be my daughter”!
My name is Gray and I am very happy with it – people consider it to be unusual and always ask me about it… Better than John I suppose!
I’m due in April and I’m calling our baby boy ‘Grey’…I have loved the name for years….however I have a little niggle in the back of mind that he might get teased at school and called ‘Gay’…however I’m hoping by the time he goes to school that word won’t be a negative. Can I ask if anyone else has thought about this??? I’m 99.9% sure were going to call him Grey regardless.
My son is Grey! (Born Feb 2010) We sort of made it up (knowing it was likely an existing name), but loved it. We didn’t know if we were having a boy or a girl, but we chose the name Grey regardless. I think if kids call him “Gay” as a tease it’s a good learning opportunity to teach them that there’s nothing wrong with that!
Since “R”s are tough to pronounce my son already refers to himself as “Gey” and so do most other toddlers, lol.
I’m still in love with the name!
Good luck with your baby!!!
I had a baby boy in August and named him Gray. I’ve taken some flack for it (especially from family members), but I think it suits him just fine. To me it is classy, strong, masculine, and awesome.
My son is six months older, named Grey. Funny, no one gave me any flack (didn’t tell them until he was born though) and most people love it. I agree with your description completely!