Rae

Diminutive of Raymond, word name, English

"wise protector; beam of light"

Rae Origin and Meaning

The name Rae is a boy's name.

Rae as a masculine name has Scottish and Hebrew origins. It derives from the Scottish surname Rae, meaning "grace" or "deer," or it may be a shortened form of Raymond, meaning "wise protector." In Hebrew contexts, it could be related to the word "ra'eh" meaning "friend" or "companion." Though more commonly used for girls in recent decades, Rae has a history as a male name, particularly as a middle name or nickname. Its single-syllable simplicity gives it a strong, straightforward quality appreciated by parents looking for a minimalist name option. The name carries a gentle yet masculine energy and works well in combination with longer first names. As a standalone male name, Rae remains relatively uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality.

Rae Rank in Nameberry Top 1000

# 1263 on Nameberry

Popularity of the name Rae

• 1263 Nameberry 2025

20 Names Similar to Rae

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The name Rae in Pop Culture

• Rae Karly character in Pamela Memmott's 2016 novel Rightful