Last Name Rae

The surname Rae has multiple origins. In Scottish Gaelic, it is derived from the word "rath", meaning "fort". It was also used as a nickname for someone who lived near a rath or fort, or who had a red or ruddy complexion. In Old Norse, Ráði meant 'counsel' or 'advice'. This name was brought to Scotland by Viking settlers and was often anglicized as Rae. Another possible origin is from the Middle English word "ra" meaning 'ree' or 'arable land', which was a topographic surname for someone who lived on reclaimed or cultivated land. These are some of the origins of the surname Rae, but it's important to note that surnames can have multiple sources and can change over time due to various factors such as geographical migration, linguistic influences, and individual preferences.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Rae

The meaning and origin of the last name Rae

The surname Rae is of Scottish and Irish origin. In Scotland, it is derived from the Gaelic name 'Ragha' or 'Ruadh', which mean red or fiery. It was often given to people with red hair or fair complexions. In Ireland, Rae may have originated as an anglicized form of various Gaelic names, such as O'Raghallaigh (descendant of Ragallach) or Mac Raghnaill (son of Raghnall). The name has been found in Scotland since at least the 10th century and spread to Ireland with the Norman invasion in the 12th century. Throughout history, notable bearers of the surname include John Rae, a Scottish explorer who discovered the Northwest Passage in Canada, and Thomas Rae, an Irish politician who served as Lord Mayor of Dublin.

Geographical distribution of the last name Rae

The surname Rae is predominantly found in Scotland and Ireland, with significant concentrations in both countries. In Scotland, it originates from various regions including the Highlands, Orkney Islands, and the Aberdeenshire coast. It is often associated with clans such as Clan Ranald and Clan Farquhar. In Ireland, the name Rae is mostly found in County Donegal, where it may be of Norman origin or a variant of the Irish O'Raghallaigh sept. Outside these regions, Rae can also be found in other parts of Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand due to migration and assimilation over centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Rae

The surname Rae has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Here are some of the most common ones:

* Ra(e) (Scotland, England)
* Ray (England, France)
* Rea (Ireland, England)
* Rhea (Greece)
* Raeh (Germany)
* Rahe (Denmark)
* Rahay (India)
* Raja (India)
* Raia (Portugal, Brazil)
* Rai (Italy, India)
* Raya (Spain, Turkey, Philippines, etc.)

These variations can also have different pronunciations depending on the region and language. For example, in Scotland, Rae is pronounced with a short "a" sound [rɛ], while in England it may be pronounced with a long "a" sound [reɪ]. In India, Raia and Rai are typically pronounced with a long "a" sound [raɪ] or [rai], while Rahay may be pronounced with a short "a" sound [rahɛ].

Famous people with the last name Rae

Notable individuals with the surname Rae include:

1. Emma Rae (born 1986), an American model and reality television personality known for her appearance on VH1's reality show "Tool Academy."
2. James Rae (1934-2015), a Scottish playwright, screenwriter, and actor who wrote for the BBC Radio series "The Goon Show" and created the long-running comedy series "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy."
3. Katherine Rae (born 1967), a Canadian singer and actress who is best known for her role as Shannon McNab on the TV series "Street Justice."
4. Maury Chaykin (1949-2019), a Canadian actor who had notable roles in movies such as "Django Unchained," "The Big Lebowski," and "Se7en."
5. Michael Rae (born 1964), a British-American screenwriter, producer, and director best known for creating the animated television series "SpongeBob SquarePants."
6. Sanaa Lathan (born 1971), an American actress who has appeared in films such as "The Best Man," "Alien vs. Predator," and "Nappily Ever After."
7. William Rae (fl. early 15th century), a Scottish poet and composer of religious music, known for his contributions to the Glasgow Trooper Roll.

Genealogical research on the last name Rae

The surname Rae originates from Scotland and is a patronymic form of the given name Robert, derived from the Old Norse Hrólfr or the Germanic Hroðrberht. The clan Rae was primarily found in Sutherland and Caithness, with the chiefs of the clan residing at Dunacre Castle. The Rae family can be traced back to the 13th century when Robert de Ray was recorded in Sutherland. The Rae lineage further expanded with the marriage between Margaret Rae and William Sinclair, Earl of Caithness, which united the clans Rae and Sinclair. Notable individuals bearing the surname Rae include Alexander Rae, a Scottish philosopher, and Sir John Rae, a Canadian Arctic explorer who discovered the Northwest Passage. The name has since become widespread globally due to emigration from Scotland, particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Rae"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 28 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends