Bray Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Bray come from? What does the surname Bray mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Bray and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Braye, Brais, Dubray
Surname Bray Origin: What does the last name Bray mean?
The surname Bray has a long history dating back to France in the early 11th century, according to YourRoots data. Over time, the Bray surname gained prominence in the United Kingdom, with records dating back to the 12th century. As centuries passed, the surname spread across the Atlantic to the United States, where it continued to flourish. By the 16th century, Bray surname records began to increase significantly in the United States, eventually surpassing the United Kingdom in frequency by the 18th century. Today, the Bray surname is prevalent in both the United States and the United Kingdom, indicating a substantial presence in these regions based on historical data.
The global spread of the Bray surname is evident through YourRoots records, showing its prevalence in various countries worldwide. From the 16th century onwards, the Bray surname expanded to other regions beyond the United States and the United Kingdom, highlighting its widespread distribution. While YourRoots data provides insights into the Bray surname's historical presence, it also suggests a broader global reach that extends to different parts of the world, reflecting the surname's enduring legacy and impact across diverse cultures and communities.
Bray Last Name History: Where did the last name Bray come from?
Origin of Bray Surname: Where does the last name Bray originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Bray first appeared in records from France around the early 11th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact “Bray” spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Bray: What does the Bray surname history look like in the early days?
The "Bray" surname first accrued a significant volume of records in the United Kingdom, starting from the 12th century and continuing through the subsequent centuries. YourRoots data also shows Bray family records in the United States, indicating a trans-Atlantic expansion over time.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Bray surname today?
By the 16th century, the volume of records with the Bray surname started to grow noticeably in the United States. From the 18th century onwards, the United States began to surpass the United Kingdom in terms of the frequency of Bray surname records, a trend that continued into the 19th century. The "Bray" surname appears to have a significant presence in the United States and the United Kingdom, suggesting a substantial spread across these regions. It is important to note that the YourRoots data reflects only a portion of the global distribution of the Bray surname.
Explore Bray last name heritage and Bray surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Bray Surame?
Deanne Bray
Deanne Marie Bray (May 14, 1971) is an American actress known for her role as Sue Thomas in the show Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye. She is bilingual in American Sign Language and British Sign Language, advocating for early childhood education for deaf children.
Bray's husband, Troy Kotsur, is the first deaf male actor to win an Academy Award, and they have a daughter together. She has also appeared in Heroes and is a spokesperson for Language Equality and Acquisition for Deaf Kids (LEAD-K).
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