Alec vs Ray

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Alec

Boy #880 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"defender of men"

Origin: Greek

Cultural Roots

English Scottish American European

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#880
Total SSA Count
273
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Al

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Alec →

Ray

Boy #777 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"wise protector"

Origin: Germanic

Cultural Roots

English American French

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#777
Total SSA Count
322
Syllables
1
Formality
Casual

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Ray →

Popularity Comparison

Alec Rank #880
Ray Rank #777

Ray is more popular, ranked #777 vs #880 for Alec.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Alec ___

  • Alec James
  • Alec Thomas
  • Alec William
  • Alec Henry
  • Alec John
  • Alec Joseph

Ray ___

  • Ray Charles
  • Ray William
  • Ray Allen
  • Ray James
  • Ray Thomas
  • Ray Edward

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Alec

Claire Sophie Max Oliver Nora

If you choose Ray

June Mae Jack Leo Pearl

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Alec or Ray more popular?

Ray is more popular, ranked #777 compared to Alec at #880 in the United States.

What do Alec and Ray mean?

Alec means "defender of men" (Greek origin). Ray means "wise protector" (Germanic origin).

Are Alec and Ray boy or girl names?

Alec is primarily a boy name. Ray is primarily a boy name.

More Comparisons

Ray vs Alec Alec vs Damari Alec vs Rene Alec vs Emory Alec vs Thaddeus
← Full profile: Alec ← Full profile: Ray Browse all baby names