Rae

Rae is a name used as both a given name and a surname. In English-speaking countries it has appeared in various cultures and historical periods, and it continues to be used in contemporary naming.

As a given name, Rae is most often female in modern usage but can be found as a masculine or gender-neutral name in some families. It is frequently a shortened form of Rachel, though it is also used independently as a stand-alone name. The form has been adopted in different communities and may carry different familial or personal associations.

As a surname, Rae is generally considered to have Scottish origins, appearing in records from the medieval period. It is often treated as a variant of related surnames such as Rea or Rae, and may have arisen from a place name, a personal name, or other early naming practices in Scotland and northern England. Over time, bearers of the name have spread to other regions, contributing to its broader use.

The name Rae appears in literature, media, and public life through individuals across a range of professions. It is also encountered in genealogical research, onomastic studies, and as a cultural reference in various communities.

See also: Rae (disambiguation).