First found in Bavaria, where the name came from humble beginnings but gained a significant reputation for its contribution to the emerging medieval society. They later became more prominent as many branches of the same house acquired distant estates, some in foreign countries, always elevating their social status by their great contributions to society.

German settlers were among the most common to come to North America between the mid-17th and mid-20th centuries. Poverty and religious persecution drove many Bavarians to make this long trek. Tenant farmers were also enticed by the prospect of owning land. From east to west, these German immigrants populated the United States, settling in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. Ontario and the prairie provinces of Canada also provided homes to many. Early settlers bearing the Kray surname or a spelling variation of the name include: Andreas Kramer and Hans Kramer, who arrived in Germantown, Pennsylvania sometime between 1683 and 1709. They were followed by Anna Catharina Kramer and Francisca Kramer who came to Philadelphia in 1725. After them, Casper Kramer arrived in Philadelphia in 1732.

For more information on the last name Kray, the PDF Surname History is available for purchase as well as other products.