Declining since 2004.
Popularity of Marae since 1970
Babies named Marae per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 16 |
| 1980s | 13 |
| 1990s | 50 |
| 2000s | 88 |
| 2010s | 59 |
| 2020s | 11 |
Meaning & origin
Marae is a rare, modern name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1970. It reached its peak usage in 2005, though it has never cracked the Top 1000 and has been declining in popularity since 2004. With no clear historical or linguistic roots, Marae likely represents a contemporary invented name, perhaps inspired by the similar-sounding Mara or the popular suffix 'ae'. Its rarity means it has never been concentrated in any particular state, making it a truly unique choice. The name's trajectory shows a slow but steady decline over the past two decades, reflecting a brief moment of modest use in the 2000s.
Marae first appeared in U.S. records around 1970, with a peak in 2005, suggesting a modern coinage rather than a traditional name. It may be a spelling variation of Mara (a name of Hebrew or Irish origin) or a blend of Mary and Rae. No established meaning is recorded, and it remains rare.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mara, Rae
Sibling names for Marae
Names that share Marae's style, for a brother or sister.

