FRAY
Fray
Fray is a British surname of French origin. The name is believed to have been introduced to England after the Norman Conquest in 1066. It is derived from the Old French word "frayer," meaning "to disturb" or "to scare," suggesting a possible occupational or nickname origin related to someone who caused chaos or commotion.
The surname Fray is particularly prevalent in areas of England such as East Anglia. Variants of the name include Fraye and Froude.
Individuals bearing the surname Fray have contributed to various fields over the centuries, including literature, politics, and the arts. Notable bearers of the surname include John Fray, a 15th-century politician and member of Parliament, and Charles Fray, a renowned playwright from the 19th century.
The Fray family crest features a shield adorned with symbols that may reflect the family's history or values. The motto "Virtus Sola Nobilitat," meaning "Virtue Alone Ennobles," exemplifies the ideals associated with the Fray name.
In modern times, the surname Fray continues to be passed down through generations, retaining its historical significance and serving as a mark of ancestral pride for many families in the United Kingdom and beyond.
There are approximately 991 people named Fray in the UK. That makes it roughly the 7,424th most common surname in Britain. Around 15 in a million people in Britain are named Fray.
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- James
- Martyn
- Matthew
- Michael
- Neil
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
- Shelton
- Stephen
Female
- Alison
- Brenda
- Caroline
- Emma
- Frances
- Jacqueline
- Jean
- Margaret
- Patricia
- Rebecca
- Sally
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.