Declining since 2021, #1,299 for girls today.
Popularity of Rae since 1880
Babies named Rae per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1956, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Rae's real moment was 1892.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 262 |
| 1890s | 673 |
| 1900s | 699 |
| 1910s | 1,738 |
| 1920s | 1,873 |
| 1930s | 2,096 |
| 1940s | 2,660 |
| 1950s | 3,456 |
| 1960s | 2,895 |
| 1970s | 1,848 |
| 1980s | 1,250 |
| 1990s | 921 |
| 2000s | 626 |
| 2010s | 1,228 |
| 2020s | 1,235 |
Meaning & origin
Rae is a concise feminine name that functions as a standalone given name or a diminutive of Rachel. First recorded in U.S. data in 1880, it reached its peak popularity in 1892, ranking among the top names of that era. As of 2025, Rae sits at rank 1299, with an incidence of approximately 1 in 9,399 girls. The name has been on a gradual decline since 2021, but it retains a vintage charm, particularly in states like Utah, Oregon, and Arizona where it saw higher usage. Its simplicity and soft sound make it a straightforward choice for parents seeking a short, familiar name with biblical roots.
Rae originated as a short form of Rachel, a biblical name from Hebrew meaning 'ewe'. It also emerged as a feminine variant of the Old French name Ray, which itself derives from the Germanic root 'ragin' meaning 'counsel'. In modern usage, Rae functions as an independent given name, often chosen for its brevity and simplicity. It gained modest popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in the United States.
Where Rae is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Rae” around the world
Where Rae lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
5
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Rae
Names that share Rae's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Mae, Faye, Claire, June, Rose, Fay, Kaye, Fae, Jaye, Lanae, Pa, Toi, Gae, Kae, Mc, Ande, Bri, Cay, Grae, Ree, Rox, Shar, Tawn, Thy, Lai, Schae, Ski
Brothers: Jay, Cole, Drew, Kai, Reid, Tate, Grey, Lou, Cy, De, Del, Jae, Jc, Kal, Kee, Trae, Bj, Boe, Chane, Chay, Dael, Delray, Kem, Oz, Rande, Roney, Ry, Sy, Taz, Tri, Da, Dae, Dez, Jw, Ky, Ohm, Saw, Si, Tay, Tyan, Win, Zae, Caz, Cha, Clee, Hy, Ran, Rayman, Rev, Sye, Traye, Vonn
