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.
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 Monique Bray (May 14, 1971) is an American actress known for her role as Sue Thomas in the show Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye and as Emma Coolidge on Heroes. Born deaf, Bray is bilingual in American Sign Language and British Sign Language. She is also an advocate for early childhood education for deaf children and a spokesperson for Language Equality and Acquisition for Deaf Kids (LEAD-K). Bray is married to Troy Kotsur, the first deaf male actor to win an Academy Award, and they have a daughter named Kyra Monique Kotsur.
Robert Bray
Robert E. Bray (October 23, 1917 – March 7, 1983) was an American actor best known for his role as forest ranger Corey Stuart in the iconic CBS series Lassie. Bray also starred in the TV series Stagecoach West and portrayed detective Mike Hammer in the film adaptation of Mickey Spillane's novel My Gun Is Quick. With a background in B Westerns and various television roles, Bray's career spanned from the 1940s to the 1960s, making him a familiar face in both film and TV. His memorable performances and contributions to the entertainment industry solidified his place in Hollywood history.
Stephen Bray
Stephen Pate Bray (born Dec 23, 1956) is an American songwriter, drummer, and record producer, best known for his collaborations with Madonna. He was a member of the band Breakfast Club and won a Grammy Award for the Best Musical Theater Album for The Color Purple. Bray's distinctive songwriting style helped create some of Madonna's biggest hits of the 1980s. Currently, he owns and operates Saturn Sound recording studios and Soultone Records label. Bray's musical talent and contributions continue to influence the music industry.
Steve Bray
Steven Nicholas Bray (born June 26, 1969) gained fame as a British Liberal Democrat activist known for his daily protests against Brexit in Westminster. Nicknamed "Stop Brexit Man," he disrupted political events with catchy songs and bold statements, earning recognition from media outlets and politicians. Bray's unique protest style and unwavering dedication made him a notable figure in the Brexit debate. Despite facing opposition, he continued to advocate for his beliefs and challenge the status quo.
Thom Bray
Thomas Edward Bray (April 30, 1954 - ) is an American actor and writer best known for his role as Murray "Boz" Bozinsky in the TV series Riptide. Bray made his film debut in the slasher film The Prowler (1981) and later appeared in John Carpenter's Prince of Darkness (1987) and The Horror Show (1989). His work has primarily been in television, with credits including the TNT series Leverage. Bray was also a drama teacher and taught television studies. Born and raised in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, he starred in the TV series Harry in the 1980s and did voice work in Attack of the Killer Tomatoes: The Animated Series.
Bray's filmography includes appearances in Burglar, DeepStar Six, and Lady Mobster, among others. He transitioned to writing and producing for television on shows like Designing Women and Nash Bridges. After a teaching career, he retired in 2019. Bray is the father of three children and continues to be remembered for his contributions to entertainment.
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