Declining since 2020, #9,714 for boys today.
Popularity of Macrae since 1997
Babies named Macrae per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 15 |
| 2000s | 60 |
| 2010s | 64 |
| 2020s | 33 |
Meaning & origin
Macrae is a Scottish clan surname that entered the American naming pool as a given name in 1997, the first year it was recorded by the Social Security Administration. Despite its long history as a family name in the Highlands, as a first name it remains exceptionally rare: in 2025 it ranked 9,714th, with only 1 in 244,011 newborns receiving the name. The name reached its peak popularity in 2021, but its trajectory has been steadily falling since 2020. Macrae has not been consistently recorded in any single U.S. state, suggesting its usage is scattered rather than regionally concentrated. Its gentle sound and graceful etymology make it an understated choice for parents seeking a name with Scottish heritage and a modern edge.
Macrae is a Scottish surname turned given name, derived from the Gaelic 'Mac Rath' meaning 'son of grace' or 'son of prosperity'. Historically a clan name from the Highlands, it has been used as a first name since the late 20th century, particularly in the United States.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mac, Rae
Sibling names for Macrae
Names that share Macrae's style, for a brother or sister.
