Surname Wraye - Meaning and Origin

Wraye: What does the surname Wraye mean?

The last name Wraye is of English origin and derived from the Old English words wreg, meaning 'philosopher', and eg, meaning 'island'. It is believed that the Wraye name may have been given to someone who either came from the Isle of Wight or the Isle of Man, or to someone who was considered a wise and learned advisor.

The Wraye name has been found in records as early as the 13th century, with several notable bearers of the name including Sir William Wraye, a justice of the Court of Common Pleas in 1540, and the Reverend William Wraye, who served as the rector of St Mary's parish church in London during the 16th century.

The Wrayes have been influential in several areas, with some notable achievers including the American businessman Clifford Wraye, the conservationist Catherine Wraye, and the esteemed British neurobiologist Steven Wraye.

The core meaning of the Wraye name is one of wisdom, intelligence, and learning. Throughout the centuries, the Wrayes have exemplified these qualities and have made their mark on society due to their knowledge and insight.

Wraye: Where does the name Wraye come from?

The last name Wraye is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, specifically England and Scotland. The name is of medieval English origin, derived from the Olde English pre 7th Century term 'rawe', meaning 'roebuck'. The name is believed to have originated in the Norfolk region of England, where the family can be traced back to an entry in the Pipe Rolls of Suffolk dated 1195.

The Wraye name has been found here in a variety of forms including Raw, Rau, Raue, Wraw and Wraye. By the beginning of the 16th Century, the name was found mainly in Norfolk and Nottinghamshire and in Scotland the name had links to counties such as Ayr, Lanark, Fife, Edinburgh and Clackmannan.

Today, the name is scattered across the world, though is still primarily found in the UK, particularly in Norfolk and Lancashire. The name is also found in Northern Ireland, the United States, Canada, France, Australia and New Zealand.

Variations of the surname Wraye

The surname Wraye is an ancient Anglo-Saxon surname that originated in England. It is a topographical surname referring to someone who lived near a riverbank, derived from the Old English words “wreag” meaning “a nook of land on a river bank” and “lace” meaning “enclosure”.

Wraye is the most common spelling of the surname today, but there are many other variants of the name. Some of the most common alternate spellings of the name are Wray, Wrey, Wrie, Wrae, Wrayes, and Wreys.

In addition to alternate spellings, there are also many surnames of the same origin that have evolved from the original surname Wraye. These include Wray, Wrayer, Wraynor, Wrayman, Wrayford, Wrayham, Wrayington, Wrayers, Wraysh, Wreyfield, Wreyford, Wreyman, Wreyes, Wraysby, Wraighton, and Wreycott.

The genealogical links between the various spelling variations and surnames of the same origin are still evident today. Records have shown that the Cree in Canada have used both spellings of the surname - Wray and Wraysby - and are in fact descended from the same family. It is believed this family may have taken the name “Wray” after settling in Canada.

In short, the various spellings of the surname Wraye, as well as the surnames of the same origin, demonstrate the evolution of some Anglo-Saxon names, both in England and beyond, over the centuries.

Famous people with the name Wraye

• Deborah Wraye: music producer, songwriter, and vocalist
• Eric Wraye: American film and television actor
• John Wraye: soldier, merchant, manufacturer, and political leader of Maryland Colonial era
• Judith Wraye: civil rights activist, author, and pageant winner
• Robert Wraye: professional baseball player, outfielder
• Alfred Wraye: military officer, politician, and writer
• David Wraye: actor, producer, and director
• Diane Wraye: film and television stunt coordinator
• April Wraye: actress
• Matt Wraye: fashion designer and business consultant

Other surnames

Wray