Ray vs Trace

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Ray

Boy #777 Most Popular 1 Syllable

"wise protector"

Origin: Germanic

English American French

✓ All Clear

Boy #705 Most Popular 1 Syllable

"path, track, trail"

Origin: Old French via English

American English Southern American

✓ All Clear

Ray Rank #777

Trace Rank #705

Trace is more popular, ranked #705 vs #777 for Ray.

Is Ray or Trace more popular?

Trace is more popular, ranked #705 compared to Ray at #777 in the United States.

What do Ray and Trace mean?

Ray means "wise protector" (Germanic origin). Trace means "path, track, trail" (Old French via English origin).

Are Ray and Trace boy or girl names?

Ray is primarily a boy name. Trace is primarily a boy name.