Ray

The surname Ray has several origins. Origin of the surname In some cases it originates from a nickname, derived from the Old French rei, roy, meaning "king", which was sometimes also used as a personal name. This nickname may have denoted a person's pride or swagger, someone's appearance, or regal behavior or bearing, or may have referred to achievement in a contest, royal service, or may have denoted someone who presided over certain festive celebrations. Early examples of forms of this surname include: William Lerei, in 1195 (Norfolk); Robert Raie, in 1206 (Cambridgeshire); and Thomas filius Rey, in 1296 (Cambridgeshire). In other cases, the surname originates from a nickname derived from the northern Middle English rā, rae, ray (Old English rā, Old Norse rā), meaning "roe deer", or the Middle English ray (Old English rœge), meaning "female roe deer". This nickname may have denoted a timid person or a swift runner.