Rayshard

Arabic

"having good judgment"

Rayshard Origin and Meaning

The name Rayshard is a boy's name.

Rayshard combines the element 'Ray' (from Raymond, meaning 'wise protector' or 'counsel') with a variation of the name shard/shared. 'Ray' has been a popular name element throughout the 20th century, appearing both as a standalone name and prefix. The second element might be influenced by names like Richard or Shard, though the exact derivation is unclear. Usage records show Rayshard emerging primarily in the 1970s-1990s in the United States, though remaining relatively uncommon. The name gained wider recognition following tragic events involving Rayshard Brooks in 2020. The combination creates a distinctive sound while incorporating familiar name elements, following a pattern of creative combination naming seen in American naming practices of the late 20th century.