The Mccray Family History

What Does the Mccray Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname McCray has its roots in both Scottish and Irish heritage, deriving from the Gaelic word ‘rath’, which signifies grace and prosperity. The prefix ‘mc’ translates to ‘son of’. Variations in the spelling of McCray include MacRae, MacRay, MacCrae, MacCraw, MacCrea, and MacCreight. In England, the McCray surname is predominantly found in regions such as Cumberland, Lanarkshire, and Yorkshire, extending southward to Devon and the metropolitan area of London. In Scotland, individuals bearing the McCray surname are primarily located in Lanarkshire, Inverness-shire, Dunbartonshire, and Stirlingshire. Throughout the centuries, numerous branches of the McCray family have migrated to Ireland and subsequently to North America, including the United States and Canada. Within the United States, the McCray name has established a presence across various states, with significant populations in Virginia, Florida, South Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. Notable individuals with the McCray surname include Nikki McCray (a professional basketball player), Ewan McCray (a distinguished cricketer from England), Carrie Allen McCray (an accomplished author of novels, nonfiction works, and poetry), Bobby McCray (a professional football player), Carlton “Scooter” McCray (another professional basketball player), Rodney Duncan McCray (a professional baseball player), Larry McCray (a singer and musician known for his guitar skills), Prentice McCray (a professional football player), and Lane McCray (a singer and performer in theater).