In Spain, certain names gain popularity far beyond their historical origins. A vivid example is the name Yeray, which, despite its Canarian roots, has become especially common in Barcelona and other regions of mainland Spain.
Today, more than 1,200 men with this name live in the province of Barcelona, making up a significant share of all Yerays across the country. By comparison, in the Canary Islands, where the name originated, just over 2,000 people named Yeray are registered. Apart from Catalonia, notable numbers can be found in Madrid and the Basque Country, but Barcelona in particular has become a focal point for this name.
The history of the name Yeray does not stretch back into ancient times, but to the late 1970s. It was then that tinerfeño Hermogenes Afonso, known as El Mencey, included the name in his list of Guanche names in 1979. From that moment, the name began to appear in official documents and quickly spread among Canarian families, becoming a symbol of regional identity.
However, there are no mentions of Yeray in historical chronicles or specialized dictionaries before this time. The name was revived based on oral accounts and comparisons with Berber languages of North Africa. This surge of interest in local roots coincided with the period after the end of the Franco regime, when names tied to Guanche culture became popular in the Canary Islands, such as Ayoze, Jonay, and Yurena. Yeray soon ceased to be a rarity and secured its place among the most common names in the region’s schools.
In the 1990s, the name Yeray spread beyond the islands and began gaining popularity on the mainland. According to the National Institute of Statistics, today it is the most common male name of Canarian origin in Spain, with most bearers living outside the archipelago. The name’s phonetics often evoke associations with Basque names such as Unai or Ibai due to similar endings, which sometimes leads to the mistaken belief that it originates from the north.
Football further boosted the popularity of the name: a defender named Yeray playing for Athletic Club, as well as well-known handball player Yeray Lamariano, helped make the name recognizable across the country.
It is believed that the name Yeray means “great” or “strong,” a reference to ideas of strength and resilience. Symbolically, the name is associated with perseverance, determination, and an analytical mind. Despite its relatively recent appearance, its link to Guanche tradition has enhanced its appeal and significance for many families.
The story of Yeray is an example of how a name born out of regional cultural revival can become popular far beyond its homeland. Today, it brings together traditions and modern trends, maintaining a connection to historical roots while resonating with new generations across Spain.
