"three, third-born"
Origin: Old French/Latin
Language: English
Trae
Does Trae flow with your last name?
A punchy one-syllable name meaning 'three'
African American
American
Modern
Bold
Playful
Unique
Minimalist
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"third in line"
Origin: American English
Language: English
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The Story of Trae
Trae is a variant spelling of Trey, from the Old French 'treis' and Latin 'tres,' meaning 'three.' It has traditionally been given to the third child in a family or to someone who is the third in a line (like a father-grandfather chain). As a standalone name, Trae/Trey has been embraced in American communities for its crisp, punchy sound.
Trae and Trey gained visibility through NBA basketball player Trae Young, who has become one of the league's most exciting stars. The name's single-syllable boldness appeals to parents who want something short, strong, and distinctive.
In African American communities, Trey/Trae has been a popular name since the 1980s–90s, often used for third-generation namesakes or simply for its cool, athletic sound. NBA star Trae Young has given the Trae spelling particular currency.
Historical Record
Trae first appeared in US Social Security records in 1964.
Over 4,097 babies have been named Trae in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Trae is past its peak , currently ranked #2,490 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks was selected 5th overall in the 2018 NBA Draft and became one of the league's most prolific scorers
- Trae/Trey is often used in African American families to honor a grandfather or father with the same name — Trey meaning 'the third'
Trae in Other Languages
Latin
Tres
French
Trois
Italian
Tre
Spanish
Tres
Popularity Over Time
#2,490
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1993
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Trae
T
Trae Young
Athlete
2000
American NBA basketball player for the Atlanta Hawks, known for his exceptional passing and scoring ability
T
Trae Tha Truth
Musician
1980
American rapper from Houston, Texas, known for his slow-flow rap style and community activism
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #2,490
- Total SSA Count
- 55
- Cultural Origins
- African American American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Trae
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Trae is also used as a girl name, ranked #22085.
View Trae as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Trae
What does the name Trae mean?
"three, third-born" (from Old French/Latin). "third in line" (from American English). Trae is a variant spelling of Trey, from the Old French 'treis' and Latin 'tres,' meaning 'three.' It has traditionally been given to the third child in a family or to someone who is the third in a line (like a father-grandfather chain). As a standalone name, Trae/Trey has been embraced in American communities for its crisp, punchy sound.
What is the origin of the name Trae?
Trae has Old French/Latin, American English, African American, and American origins. In Old French/Latin, it means "three, third-born". In American English, it means "third in line".
Is Trae a boy or girl name?
Trae is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #2490. As a girl name, it is ranked #22085. Trae is more commonly used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Trae?
Trae is currently ranked #2490 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Trae?
Popular middle name pairings include Trae Michael, Trae James, Trae Anthony, Trae Deon, and Trae Andre.
What are good sibling names for Trae?
Names that pair well with Trae as siblings include Kobe, Jaylen, Imani, Amara, Kyree, and Zara.
How many syllables does Trae have?
Trae has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Trae a common or rare name?
Trae is an uncommon name, ranked #2490 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Trae?
About the Name Trae
Trae is a boy name with African American and American origins . The name means "three, third-born" in Old French/Latin .
Is Trae a boy or girl name? Trae is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #2,490 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #22,085. Trae is more commonly used as a boy name.
Trae is currently ranked #2,490 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Trae has 1 syllable, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Trae include Travis, Trace, Trayvon, Trayce, Tracy . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis