Surname Schray - Meaning and Origin
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Schray: What does the surname Schray mean?
The surname Schray is a variation on the Germanic surname Schrae which includes other variations such as Schraey, Schrayer, and Schreyer. It appears to be derived from the Middle High German word schraehte, which itself is derived from schragen, meaning "to cut." This term was used to describe someone who was skilled with cutting tools, such as a blacksmith or a carpenter. Thus, someone with this surname could have been a worker or craftsman associated with the cutting and forming of metal or wood.
As to the geographical origin of this surname, records indicate that it was most commonly found in the area of the modern German-speaking countries of Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. In the 1700s, this area was known as the Holy Roman Empire, where the Schray surname was established by several distinct branches of the same family. Over time, the family lines diverged into small branches, and the Schray surname as we know it today spread into smaller villages and towns throughout the region in Bavaria, which is a part of modern-day Germany.
Today, the Schray surname is still found predominately in the German-speaking countries of Europe, and it is possible that some descendants may have made it to other parts of the world, such as the United States, during times of emigration.
Order DNA origin analysisSchray: Where does the name Schray come from?
The last name Schray is most common throughout Central Europe today, particularly in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. In Germany, Schray is the 136th most common last name out of a total of approximately 600,000. In Austria, it is the 102nd most common. In Switzerland, it is the 499th most common last name, out of approximately 600,000.
The name Schray is an occupational surname, which means that it was likely first adopted by someone who worked in the occupation it refers to. The name Schray comes from the German verb schrauben, which means "to screw." Therefore, the original bearer of the name was likely a metalworker or machinist who had some association with screws.
In addition to its presence in Central Europe, the name Schray can be found in many other areas around the world. In the United States, it is most common in Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey. It is also somewhat common in Chicago, Illinois, and Utah. In the United Kingdom, Schray is present in small numbers in England, Scotland, and Ireland.
The name also appears in small numbers in Russia, Israel, Canada, India, Mexico, France, and other countries. In many of these places, it is likely the result of immigrants from Central Europe or descendants of Central European immigrants.
Variations of the surname Schray
Schray is a German surname, originating in the now extinct hamlet of Schray which was situated in the Goldener Grund area of Lower Saxony, Germany. Today variations of this surname are found not only in Germany, but also in Austria, Switzerland, and Hungary as well as in the United States, Canada, and other countries around the world.
The spelling of Schray is often determined by the country in which it is found. Variations of the spelling include: Schrae, Schrayë, Schraü, Schrey, Schrai, Schray, Schreau, Schraey, Schruy, and Schraye. Surnames of the same origin include: Schreyer, Schreyen, Schraeyen, Schrapen, Schrabben, Schrappen, Schreppen, and Schrütten.
The most common variant of Schray is Schrey which is found most often in Germany and Austria. This spelling was favored over Schray in German speaking countries as a result of the high frequency of certain letters in the German language.
The Schray spelling is most often found in the United States and Canada, as many of the original immigrants who carried the Schray surname anglicized their names to conform to the more familiar language and spelling of the new land.
The variant Schreyer is found mainly in the Südost Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany and is related to the Schray spelling. The Schreyer spelling is also found in the countries to the south and east of Germany and is the result of the migration of many German descendants over the centuries.
All spellings of the Schray surname can be traced back to the original hamlet in Lower Saxony, Germany, from which the name arose over one thousand years ago. As the Schray surname traveled around the world, it mutated to meet the conventions of the recipient culture's language and spelling.
Famous people with the name Schray
- Samuel Schray: director of photography for feature films such as Now You See Me 2, American Ultra, and The Wedding Ringer.
- Elizabeth Schrayer: former President and CEO of the United States Chamber of Commerce.
- Chip Schray: a professional basketball referee, now retired.
- Brett Schray: a former American football running back for the Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, and New Orleans Saints of the National Football League.
- Louis Schray: a former professional American football player in the National Football League and the United States Football League.
- Jay Schraeder: a retired Major League Baseball pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
- Chris Schray: a former American professional baseball player who played in the Colorado Rockies minor league system.
- Bruce Schray: an American professional kickboxing fighter in Jerry Lopies Kickboxing Event.
- Bruce Schrayer: a former American football wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League.
- Peter Schray: a retired American football halfback who played for the New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League.