← All names

Raye

Girl name · 8 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Raye: 8 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 4 births in 2024.

A modern variant of Rae and Ray, Raye can trace its roots to the Old French word *rei*, meaning “king,” and also serves as a feminine form of the Scottish surname Rae, which itself derives from the Gaelic *rath*, meaning “grace” or “prosperity.” The name gained contemporary prominence through the British singer-songwriter Raye, whose chart-topping hits have brought the spelling wider visibility. While no major place connections exist directly, the related Scottish surname Rae is borne by several towns and streets across Scotland. As a compact, vowel-heavy alternative to longer names, Raye offers a fresh take on a classic short form, and its rising popularity in recent years mirrors a broader trend for streamlined, lyrical names.