Grey is another spelling of Gray, an English name which originated as a nickname for someone who had gray hair or a gray beard. It comes from Old English græg (grey) via Proto-Germanic *grēwaz (grey) which derives from PIE root *gʰreh₁- (to grow). Grey could also be derived from a Roman-Gallo name, Gratus, meaning “pleasing, acceptable, agreeable, welcome” from Latin gratia (favor, kindness) and usually referring to qualities of elegance, pleasantness, charm, kindness, courteousness, and attractiveness. It derives from PIE *gʷerH- (to favor, approve; praise).
Origin: Proto-Indo-European
Variants:
- Gray (English)
- Grei (English)