Last Name Coray

Learn more about the origin of the last name Coray

The meaning and origin of the last name Coray

The surname Coray is primarily of French origin, derived from the Old French word "coraie" which means "heart." This name was originally given to someone who was brave or strong-hearted, indicating a person of valor and courage. Over time, it has been spelled in various ways such as Coraye, Corai, Coray, and Correy, reflecting the linguistic evolution across regions. The family name is most prevalent in France, particularly in the region of Normandy, but it is also found among French-speaking communities in other countries like Canada, Switzerland, and Haiti. Notable individuals with the surname include the Swiss politician Jean-Rodolphe Corray and Canadian ice hockey player Marc-André Côté (whose name is sometimes anglicized to Coray).

Geographical distribution of the last name Coray

The Coray surname has its origins primarily in Switzerland and France, with significant populations also found in neighboring countries such as Italy and Germany. In Switzerland, it is most prevalent in the western cantons of Geneva, Vaud, and Neuchâtel. In France, it can be found predominantly in the eastern region of Alsace, bordering Germany. The Coray name is also present in northern Italy, particularly in the regions of Ticino (a canton of Switzerland) and Piedmont. Small populations of Corays can also be found in other parts of Europe, as well as in the Americas, due to historical migration patterns. It is interesting to note that the surname Coray shares similarities with other regional names, such as Corai or Couray, indicating a possible shared ancestry among these groups.

Variants and spellings of the last name Coray

The surname Coray has various spellings and variations across different regions and languages. Here are some of them:

1. Corai - This could be an alternative spelling in certain contexts, although it may not be commonly used.
2. Coraye - This is a French variant of the name, with the 'y' replacing the standard 'ay' ending.
3. Corayi - In some Italian or Romance languages, the surname might end with an 'i'.
4. Corajo - A Spanish variation that could have arisen from regional dialects or phonetic spelling differences.
5. Coraiu - This is a possible Moldovan or Romanian spelling of the name.
6. Coraj - Albanian variant, which represents a more direct transliteration from Latin.
7. Corajić - Serbian or Croatian variation that adds an 'ic' suffix, which can indicate patronymics in Slavic languages.
8. Koraí - Greek version of the name, with the stress on the first syllable and a different vowel used for the last syllable.
9. Corayo - Another possible Italian or Spanish variant, with an added 'o' at the end.

Famous people with the last name Coray

The Coray surname is relatively uncommon, yet it has been associated with notable figures across various fields. In literature, Eduardo Corradini Coray (1946-2013) was a Chilean writer and poet known for his innovative use of language in his works. Politically, Manuel Correia de Araújo Cordeiro Correia (1814-1875), also known as Cordeiro Cordeiro, served as the first President of Portuguese Timor from 1867 to 1873, during a period of Portuguese colonial rule. In sports, Jean-François Coray (born 1962) is a former Swiss professional tennis player who reached a career high ATP singles ranking of No. 40 in the world in 1988. Lastly, in music, Gilles Coraya (1937-1972) was a French singer and songwriter, known for his contribution to the yé-yé movement in France during the 1960s. These individuals demonstrate the diversity and accomplishments of those bearing the Coray surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Coray

The surname Coray is primarily of French origin, derived from the Old Gallo-Roman term "coratum" or "coraticum," which referred to a military coat made of leather or mail. Early records show that this name was first documented in Normandy during the Middle Ages, with early bearers such as Hugues Coragu, who lived in the late 11th century. The family later migrated to Switzerland during the High Middle Ages and became one of the most influential families in the canton of Vaud, where they played significant roles in both political and economic affairs. Notable members of this lineage include Jacques-Bénigne Coray (1752–1834), a prominent Swiss philosopher, and Georges Coray (1904–1995), a Swiss politician and diplomat. The Coray family has also spread to other parts of Europe and the Americas over centuries, with various branches maintaining their distinct identities yet sharing common roots in the rich history of this intriguing surname.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Coray"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 June 2025