Gray Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Gray come from? What does the surname Gray mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Gray and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Gray Origin: What does the last name Gray mean?
The surname Gray has English and Scottish origins, with the Scottish instances likely deriving from the Germanic Scots language, cognate with Old English "gr√¶g" meaning "grey", possibly referring to hair color. Historical records show the surname Gray first appearing in England in the early 13th century. Over time, Gray became prevalent in Scotland from the 13th to the 15th century, before spreading to other countries. In the United States, Gray family records saw a significant increase from the 16th to the 18th century, surpassing Scotland in frequency.
YourRoots data confirms the global spread of the Gray surname, with a notable presence in the United States since the 16th century. This trend continued through the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, solidifying Gray as a prominent surname in the US. Today, Gray is found in various regions worldwide, reflecting a broad global distribution and highlighting its enduring legacy across different cultures and countries.
Gray Last Name History: Where did the last name Gray come from?
Origin of Gray Surname: Where does the last name Gray originate from?
The surname Gray first appears in historical records from England (United Kingdom) around the early 13th century, according to YourRoots data. This is based solely on the exact spelling "Gray" and does not take into account other record sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Gray: What does the Gray surname history look like in the early days?
The "Gray" surname was initially most prevalent in Scotland (United Kingdom) from the 13th to the 15th century, as per YourRoots database. Over time, the Gray surname started to gain more frequency in other countries. From the 16th to the 18th century, the United States began to see a significant increase in the volume of Gray family records.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Gray surname today?
Since the 16th century, the United States has seen a considerable growth in the volume of Gray family records, surpassing even Scotland (United Kingdom) where the surname was initially most common. This trend continued through the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Today, the "Gray" surname is prominent in the United States, but it is also found in various regions worldwide, reflecting a broad global distribution.
Explore Gray last name heritage and Gray surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Gray Surame?
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde (October 16, 1854 – November 30, 1900) was an Irish writer known for his only novel, "The Picture of Dorian Gray." This gothic horror masterpiece explores themes of beauty, morality, and the consequences of vanity. Wilde's wit and flamboyant style made him a prominent figure in London society, but his career was overshadowed by scandal and imprisonment for homosexuality. Despite his tragic end, Wilde's work continues to be celebrated for its sharp social commentary and enduring literary impact.
Owen Gray
Owen Gray (born July 5, 1939) is a Jamaican musician known for his contributions to R&B, ska, rocksteady, and reggae music. Hailed as Jamaica's first home-grown singing star, Gray's dynamic performances and hit singles like "Cupid" and "Apollo 12" have solidified his place in music history. Working with legendary producers and recording for iconic labels, Gray's career spanned continents, with tours in Europe and collaborations with other music greats like Millie Small. His versatile style, from soulful ballads to upbeat ska tunes, has left a lasting impact on the music scene, making him a revered figure in Jamaican music.
Jordan Gray
Jordan Redford Gossamer Gray (born Jan 11, 1989) is an English comedian and singer known for her unique style and boundary-pushing performances. Starting as a singer, she transitioned into comedy after a successful run on The Voice UK. Gray's fearless approach to humor and music has garnered both praise and controversy, making her a rising star in the entertainment industry. With a background in music and a flair for comedy, Jordan Gray continues to captivate audiences with her talent and creativity.
Macy Gray
Natalie Renée McIntyre (born Sep 6, 1967) is better known as Macy Gray, an American R&B and soul singer and actress. With her distinctive raspy voice, Gray has sold over 25 million records worldwide. She's famous for hits like "I Try" and has won a Grammy Award. Gray has also appeared in movies like "Training Day" and "Spider-Man".
Conan Gray
Conan Lee Gray (Dec 5, 1998 - ) is an American singer-songwriter known for his hit songs "Maniac" and "Heather." Born in Lemon Grove, California, and raised in Georgetown, Texas, Gray gained fame through his YouTube channel before signing with Republic Records. His debut EP, Sunset Season, and studio album, Kid Krow, were commercial successes, with the latter debuting at number five on the U.S. Billboard 200. Gray's music, inspired by his life experiences, has earned critical acclaim and a growing fan base worldwide. With multiple successful albums and tours, Gray continues to captivate audiences with his heartfelt lyrics and unique sound.
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