[name_f]My[/name_f] grandfather’s name was [name_m]Wray[/name_m], he came from a big working class family, who lived on the coast. I was nine years-old when he died. But my Dad still tears up when he talks about his Dad. He always describes him as a giver, he’d give everything and never ask for anything in return, a true gentleman. [name_f]My[/name_f] memories of him are few. But the more I hear my Dad talk about my grandfather, the more I fall in love with the name, I know it may be problematic because of the spelling… but beyond that thoughts?
I do find the spelling a little problematic. It reminds me of a mix of the words wraith and ray. But… I think using the name would be vey sweet and awesome - problematic spelling aside, it is a family name and you can always justify the spelling by saying “it was my grandfathers name”. lol.
I however also think that [name_u]Ray[/name_u] (I’d pronounce [name_m]Wray[/name_m] with a silent W) or [name_m]Walter[/name_m] [name_m]Raymond[/name_m] nn [name_m]Wray[/name_m] or something could work just as well. I’m firmly in the camp that if you want to honor someone you can find a way to do it that feels right to you. It doesn’t have to be that name exactly but can work in any way you like. (If you only like exact spelling/name honoring - that’s totally cool… point is it’s up to you).
I like it! He may have to correct people on the spelling though. But I don’t think that is really a big deal.
I like it best as a strong one-syllable middle. There it’s punchy, distinctive, flows well, and it doesn’t matter that it’s not the most common spelling. It shines there I think.
But a first, I still don’t mind it. I don’t think it’s that hard. And it doesn’t look like it’s short for [name_m]Raymond[/name_m] or whatever.
I really like it, to me it’s more complete than just [name_u]Ray[/name_u]. I don’t think the spelling will be a huge problem because a lot of people have names that aren’t spelt the more well known way.