MACRAE
Also recorded as Mac Rae, Macrae
MacRae
Overview: MacRae is a Scottish surname of Gaelic origin, derived from the Gaelic name 'Macraith,' composed of "Mac," meaning 'son of,' and "Raith," a personal name. The MacRaes are associated with the Highlands of Scotland, particularly around the region of Loch Alsh in the Western Highlands.
History: The MacRaes are believed to be of ancient Celtic origin, with a history that dates back to the 12th century. The clan was historically part of the larger Clan MacKenzie and played a significant role in the turbulent history of the Scottish Highlands.
The MacRaes were known for their loyalty and bravery, often serving as warriors and protectors in the region. They gained a reputation for their fierce fighting capabilities and their commitment to defending their clan and homeland.
Clan MacRae: The MacRaes formed their own clan in the 17th century, separate from Clan MacKenzie. The clan's traditional seat was at Eilean Donan Castle, a strategically important stronghold located at the meeting point of three lochs in the Western Highlands. The castle was frequently contested during periods of clan warfare.
Notable Individuals:
- Kenneth MacRae (1884–1961): A distinguished Scottish soldier and recipient of the Victoria Cross for gallantry during World War I.
- John MacRae (1868–1918): A Scottish poet best known for his war poem "In Flanders Fields," which became a symbol of remembrance for fallen soldiers.
- Angus MacRae (b. 1952): An acclaimed musician and composer known for his contributions to traditional Scottish music.
Modern Day: Today, the MacRae surname is found not only in Scotland but also in other parts of the world, particularly in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, where Scottish immigrants settled.
The MacRae name continues to be a source of pride for many individuals of Scottish descent, who celebrate their heritage and historical connections to the clan. Various MacRae societies and associations exist to preserve the clan's traditions and promote a sense of community among those with the surname.
There are approximately 5,596 people named MacRae in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,690th most common surname in Britain. Around 86 in a million people in Britain are named MacRae.
Surname type: From name of parent
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Scotland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Alexander
- Andrew
- David
- Donald
- Duncan
- Ian
- James
- John
- Kenneth
- William
Female
- Angela
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Fiona
- Helen
- Jean
- Jennifer
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Sandra
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- McRae
- McCrey
- McKray
- McCray
- McRee
- McRea
- McCree
- McRay
- McCrea
- McCrae
- Maccrae
- Macare
- Macaree
- Macar
- Macaire
- Macra
- Macara
- Macari
- Macarie
- Macario
- Macaro
- Maccari
- Maccario
- Maccree
- Maccurrie
- Macgarr
- Macguire
- Macker
- Mackray
- Macor
- Macquarie
- Macquarrie
- Macquire
- Macral
- Macran
- Macrate
- Macraw
- Macray
- Macre
- Macrea
- Macree
- Macrew
- Macrey
- Macri
- Macrie
- Macro
- Macroe
- Macrowe
- Macur
- Macura
- Magar
- Magara
- Magaro
- Maggar
- Magger
- Maggiora
- Maggiore
- Maggiori
- Maghar
- Magher
- Magor
- Magora
- Magori
- Magoro
- Magra
- Magre
- Magree
- Magri
- Magrie
- Magro
- Maguare
- Maguer
- Maguier
- Maguir
- Maguire
- Magura
- Magure
- Magurie
- Maigre
- Maiker
- Makar
- Makara
- Makari
- Makariou
- Maker
- Makkar
- Makker
- Makore
- Makra
- Makri
- Makura
- Maquaire
- Maquire
- Maugher
- Maygor
- Mcara
- Mcaree
- Mcaroe
- Mccara
- Mccarr
- Mccarra
- Mccorie
- Mccorrie
- Mccra
- Mccrie
- Mccure
- Mccurrie
- Mcgair
- Mcgar
- Mcgarr
- Mcgarrie
- Mcgorie
- Mcgorrie
- Mcgra
- Mcgraa
- Mcgrae
- Mcgree
- Mcgrue
- Mcguarrie
- Mcguier
- Mcguir
- Mcguire
- Mcgure
- Mcgurie
- Mcgurr
- Mckeer
- Mckerr
- Mckree
- Mcquarie
- Mcquarrie
- Mcqueer
- Mcquire
- Mcraey
- Mcraye
- Mcroe
- Meagar
- Meagher
- Meagor
- Meagre
- Meaker
- Mecker
- Meeker
- Megaro
- Megger
- Megra
- Megre
- Meguer
- Meguire
- Mekaouar
- Mekari
- Meker
- Mekouar
- Mguire
- Migra
- Miker
- Mocaer
- Mocker
- Mogor
- Mogra
- Mogre
- Mokri
- Mooker
- Mugara
- Mugra
- Muguiro
- Mukar
- Mukari
- Muker
- Mukiri
- Mukoro
- Mukri
- Mukuru
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.