Surname Fray - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'F'
Fray: What does the surname Fray mean?
The surname Fray is of Anglo-Saxon origin and derives from the Old English pre 7th Century word "frēa", meaning "lord" or "master". Initially, it would have been used as a nickname for someone who conducted themselves in a manner similar to a lord or who may have played the role of lord in a pageant or play. The surname could have also come from an Old French word "frei", meaning "free born" or "noble". It is found particularly in Yorkshire county in the UK. One of the earliest recordings of this surname dates back to the 13th century as "Freie" in the Assize Court Rolls of Staffordshire. Later it became "Frey" and eventually evolved to "Fray". Variations of the surname include Frey, Fry, Free, and others. It spread across Europe and to America, carried to different regions mainly due to migration.
Order DNA origin analysisFray: Where does the name Fray come from?
The last name Fray has its origins in Europe. It is derived from Middle English and is believed to be an occupational name for a saddler, from an agent derivative of the Old French word "freier", which means to rub or chafe, an important part of a saddler's job was to tend to the horse's saddle sores.
In some cases, the last name Fray might have derived from the old French term "frayeur of birds", indicating that the original bearers of the surname might have been bird-scarers, is essentially a person who scares off birds from crops.
Today, the last name Fray is rather uncommon worldwide. It is most prevalent in the United States, with a higher concentration found in Alaska. Additionally, the surname is also quite common in England, especially in the region of Northamptonshire. According to public data, the surname Fray is not very common and ranks on the list of uncommon surnames. However, it is an influential name in the music scene thanks to the American rock band "The Fray".
Variations of the surname Fray
Variants and alternate spellings of the surname 'Fray' can be dependent on historical, geographical and cultural factors. Some of these variants include Frey, Frayre, Fraille, Frayes, Frei, and Freye. Others spellings may include Frai and Fraei.
The surname Fray originates from England, but over time, the surname has spread across different regions of the world due to migration, leading to different spellings and variants. In some cases, the surname was translated or altered based on the local language or dialect. Additionally, transcription errors in historical documents may have also contributed to different spellings of the name.
The Frey variation is most commonly found in Germany and Switzerland, while Frayre is a variant mainly found in Spain and Portugal. The surname Frei is popular in Switzerland and Germany while Frayes is common in Spain and Portuguese-speaking regions.
These surnames can often be translated into different meanings across languages. In German, 'Frey' means free and was often assigned as a status name for free citizens. It is also possible that these surnames were occupational, referring to a person’s trade or profession.
Famous people with the name Fray
- Maria Fray: An American actress known for her role in the movie "After the World Ended".
- Julia Fray: A British actress who worked extensively in theatre and television during the 1960s and 1970s.
- Isaac Fray: He is the lead vocalist of the Colorado-based piano rock band "The Fray".
- Steve Fray: An English professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper for several clubs including Wolverhampton Wanderers and Cardiff City.
- Carmen Fray: A Spanish actress and dubbing artist, recognized for her work in the film "Curse of the Devil".
- Davis Fray: An American musician and keyboardist, known for cofounding the rock band "The Fray”.
- Matt Fray: An English cricketer who played for Oxfordshire. Please note that some names listed may not be globally recognized. For instance, while The Fray is a famous rock band, its members (e.g., Isaac and Davis Fray) are often more recognized within music circles. Similarly, athletes like Steve and Matt Fray might be better known among sports fans.