Surname Raye - Meaning and Origin
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Raye: What does the surname Raye mean?
The last name Raye is of English origin, often used as a variant of the surname Ray. This surname has a number of possible meanings, including ‘guarding’, ‘to protect’, ‘watchman’, and ‘guardian’. It may have also been a descriptive or occupational name given to someone who lived close to a meadow or forest glade.
Raye may have first originated as a given name, derived from the Old Germanic ‘rael’ or ‘ragle’, which developed into the modern English name ‘Ray’. Alternatively, it may be a shortened form of the French name Beau ‘Ray’, which commemorates the ninth century Gothic historian known as Regino von Prum. Raye may also be connected to the Germanic ‘ragin’, meaning ‘advice or counsel’.
It is believed that the first record of the surnames Ray and Raye dates back to the 12th century in the area of Cheshire in England. Since then, it has spread throughout England, Scotland, and even to other countries in Europe and parts of the United States.
Today, the name Raye is still found in many countries, but it is most commonly used in England, Ireland, and Scotland. While it still retains its meaning of ‘guardian’, the last name can also be a helpful telling of an individual’s family history.
Order DNA origin analysisRaye: Where does the name Raye come from?
The last name Raye is most common in Ireland and the British Isles today. It is also found in France, Canada, Belgium, and the United States. It is a French surname that was modified after being introduced to England as a result of the Norman invasion.The origin of the name Raye is unknown. Sources suggest it may be derived from the Old French word "Rau", meaning "red", or from the Old French "rai", meaning "counsel or advice".
The Raye surname is quite common in Ireland as a result of a Norman family settling in the Irish Midlands some 700 years ago. They established themselves at Raystown in County Westmeath, from which their name was derived. As the Normans spread across the country, the name Raye spread with them to Cork, Galway, Kilkenny, and other regions.
The surname has also spread to Canada, the United States, France, and Belgium due to various waves of immigration over the centuries. In the United States, it is most common in Massachusetts, followed by Pennsylvania and New Hampshire.
The Raye surname is still quite common today. It may have evolved from its original spelling, and today can be found spelled as Rae, Ray, Rey, Raye, Reyse, and Raies.
Variations of the surname Raye
The surname Raye is a patronymic (a name derived from a father's first name) that can be spelled Rae, Ray, Reay, and Raya. It originated from several Old French and Middle French personal names derived from rey (king or royal). This surname is particularly common in England, Ireland, Scotland, Normandy, and Wales.
Rae is the most commonly used spelling variant of the name Raye and is thought to have been derived from the Middle English name Rea. Reay is a variant that dates back to medieval texts, most likely derived from the Old French name Reis. Ray is the earliest known variant of the surname and is thought to have originated from the Old French name Reis or Reys. Raya is a more modern variant of the name Raye, derived from the Latin word rex meaning “king” and is often found in Spain and some Latin-American countries.
Though related, the surnames Ray and Rae are not interchangeable. In Scotland, the names Ray and Reay have been found in several variant spellings of Ra, Reea, and Rey. In Ireland, there are several variants of Rae including Reigh, Rea, Ray, and Reighs. In Wales, Ray and Rae are sometimes seen in the variant form Rees.
Surnames with similar origins to Raye include Rees, Reece, Reeve, Rice, Ricey, and Ris. In some cases, the surname Raye is used as a given name. Variant spellings of Raye have also been found in other countries such as Germany, Spain, and France.
Famous people with the name Raye
- Don Raye (1909: 1985): An American songwriter and vaudeville performer, he was one of the writers of the famous song "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy".
- Dinah Shore (1917: 1994): An American singer, actress, and television personality. She was also known as the first female disc jockey.
- Daniel Raye (1967: ): An American filmmaker, director, editor, and producer. He has been involved in many projects including the Academy Award nominated film Curfew.
- Matt Raye (1978: ): An American singer-songwriter and actor, he is best known for his work with Stone Temple Pilots, Nickelback, and Alice in Chains.
- April Rose Raye (1982: ): An American actress and model, she is known for her roles in movies such as Crazy, Stupid, Love and Life’s a Beach.
- Joe Raye (1914: 1978): An American jazz trumpeter and bandleader, he started his career with the band of Jimmie Lunceford and played alongside famed trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie.
- Allie Raye (1986: ): An American actress, singer, and dancer. She is known for her role on the reality show Dance Moms and as the back-up dancer for Britney Spears.
- Brandi Raye (1975: ): An American country singer-songwriter, she released her first album in 2011 and has recorded two more since then.
- Amanda Raye (1970: ): An American actress, model, and director, she has appeared in several movies such as Sonny and Paradise. 10.Tim Raye (1952: ): An American film and television actor, he is best known for his roles in the television series In the Heat of the Night and Revolution.