Origin & Meaning of the Gray Surname
What does the last name Gray mean?
The surname Gray carries the meaning "Nickname for someone with gray hair or who wore gray clothing." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 246,116 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Gray ranks as the #87 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Gray come from?
The Gray surname has its roots in English/Scottish heritage. Names of English/Scottish origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Gray name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Gray trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Gray |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Nickname for someone with gray hair or who wore gray clothing |
| Origin | English/Scottish |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #87 |
| US Count (2010) | 246,116 |
| Per 100K People | 83.44 |
| First Letter | G |
Ethnic Distribution of Gray
According to the US Census, the Gray surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 246,116 Americans with the Gray last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 68.68% |
| Black | 25.13% |
| Hispanic | 2.41% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.54% |
| Native American | 0.91% |
| Two or More Races | 2.33% |
Popularity of Gray Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Gray surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Gray surname increased by 9,403 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English/Scottish Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Gray
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