Macrae is a unique and distinctive name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic word "mac Raith," which means "son of Raith." Raith was a personal name in early Gaelic, but its exact meaning is unknown.
The name Macrae is believed to have originated in the Highlands of Scotland, where it was borne by a family that held lands in the region. The clan Macrae is considered to be a sept of the larger Clan Chattan, which is one of the oldest and most influential clans in Scotland.
Throughout history, the Macraes have been known for their bravery and loyalty. They played significant roles in various historical events, including the Wars of Scottish Independence. Today, many people with the surname Macrae can trace their ancestry back to the original Highland clan.
In terms of popularity, Macrae is not a particularly common name. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, it has never ranked among the top 1000 names for boys since records began in the 20th century. However, its rarity makes it an appealing choice for parents looking for a distinctive and meaningful name for their child.
Overall, Macrae is a name with a rich history and cultural significance, making it an attractive option for parents seeking a unique and meaningful name for their child. Its Gaelic origins and association with the brave and loyal clan Macrae add to its appeal as a strong and distinguished name choice.
Based on the statistics provided, we can observe an interesting trend regarding the number of births with the name Macrae in the United States between 1997 and 2022.
The first notable observation is that there were no recorded births with the name Macrae in the years prior to 1997. However, starting from 1997, we begin to see a steady increase in the number of newborns named Macrae. The earliest year on record shows 5 births, which then doubled to 10 births by the year 1999.
The next decade or so saw fluctuations in the number of Macrae births, ranging from as low as 5 births (in both 2000 and 2015) up to a high of 13 births in 2021. It's worth noting that there were two years with an especially high number of Macrae births: 2003, with 10 births, and 2021, with 13 births.
While the data doesn't provide information about the popularity of this name outside these specific years, it does suggest a general upward trend in the frequency of newborns named Macrae since around the late 90s. Over the entire period from 1997 to 2022 inclusive, there were a total of 165 babies born with this unique name across the United States.
In conclusion, while not being one of the most common names in America, Macrae has shown steady growth in popularity among new parents over recent decades.