"son of grace, son of good fortune"
Origin: Scottish Gaelic
Language: English
Mccrae
Pronunciation: [ m-uhkr-AY ]
Does Mccrae flow with your last name?
A proud Scottish clan name meaning son of grace
Scottish
Irish
American
Strong
Vintage
Bold
Traditional
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Meaning & Origin
"son of Rath (prosperity)"
Origin: Irish Gaelic Mac Rath
Language: English
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The Story of Mccrae
McCrae is a Scottish and Irish surname used as a given name, derived from the Gaelic Mac Rath meaning 'son of grace' or 'son of good fortune.' The Mac- prefix (son of) is one of the most common elements in Scottish and Irish surnames. Rath in Gaelic means grace, prosperity, or good fortune. Using McCrae as a first name is part of the broader trend of giving boys surnames as first names.
McCrae and its variant McRae have emerged as given names in the United States as the surname-as-first-name trend gained momentum in the 2000s and 2010s. The name has a strong, rugged sound appealing to parents who want something distinctive with Celtic roots. Reality TV personality Alex McCrae helped bring visibility to the name.
In Scottish and Irish culture, clan surnames are a source of tremendous pride and identity. Using a clan name like McCrae as a first name honors Scottish heritage in a distinctive way. The Mac surnames were particularly associated with Highland Scottish clans, making McCrae evoke images of rugged landscapes and proud traditions.
Historical Record
Mccrae first appeared in US Social Security records in 1998.
Over 208 babies have been named Mccrae in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Mccrae is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #5,318 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The McRae clan is associated with Clan Mackenzie in Scottish Highland history and was known as fierce warriors
- Scottish surnames with Mac- became popular American first names in the late 20th century, following names like McKenzie and Macaulay
Mccrae in Other Languages
Irish
Mac Rath
French
McCrae
English
McCrae
Spanish
McCrae
Scottish Gaelic
Mac Rath
Popularity Over Time
#5,318
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Mccrae
C
Colin McRae
Athlete
1968
Scottish rally driver and World Rally Champion in 1995, one of the most celebrated drivers in motorsport history
J
John McCrae
Writer
1872
Canadian poet and physician, best known for writing 'In Flanders Fields' during World War I
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Compare Mccrae with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #5,318
- Total SSA Count
- 18
- Cultural Origins
- Scottish Irish American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Mac
Crae
Cray
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, Scottish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, Irish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Mccrae
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Mccrae is also used as a girl name, ranked #42080.
View Mccrae as a girl name →Similar Names
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Latin rex + Old English ford origin
"ford belonging to the king"
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Old English origin
"new settlement, new town"
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"silver-wheeled (sky goddess)"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mccrae
What does the name Mccrae mean?
"son of grace, son of good fortune" (from Scottish Gaelic). "son of Rath (prosperity)" (from Irish Gaelic Mac Rath). McCrae is a Scottish and Irish surname used as a given name, derived from the Gaelic Mac Rath meaning 'son of grace' or 'son of good fortune.' The Mac- prefix (son of) is one of the most common elements in Scottish and Irish surnames. Rath in Gaelic means grace, prosperity, or good fortune. Using McCrae as a first name is part of the broader trend of giving boys surnames as first names.
What is the origin of the name Mccrae?
Mccrae has Scottish Gaelic, Irish Gaelic Mac Rath, Scottish, Irish, and American origins. In Scottish Gaelic, it means "son of grace, son of good fortune". In Irish Gaelic Mac Rath, it means "son of Rath (prosperity)".
Is Mccrae a boy or girl name?
Mccrae is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #5318. As a girl name, it is ranked #42080. Mccrae is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Mccrae?
Mccrae is pronounced m-uhkr-AY.
How popular is the name Mccrae?
Mccrae is currently ranked #5318 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Mccrae?
Common nicknames for Mccrae include Mac, Crae, and Cray.
What are good middle names for Mccrae?
Popular middle name pairings include Mccrae James, Mccrae John, Mccrae William, Mccrae Henry, Mccrae Lee, Mccrae Cole, and Mccrae Wade.
What are good sibling names for Mccrae?
Names that pair well with Mccrae as siblings include Mackenzie, Finnley, Campbell, Sullivan, Hadley, Brynn, and Greer.
How many syllables does Mccrae have?
Mccrae has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Mccrae a common or rare name?
Mccrae is an uncommon name, ranked #5318 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Mccrae
Mccrae is a boy name with Scottish, Irish, and American origins . The name means "son of grace, son of good fortune" in Scottish Gaelic .
Is Mccrae a boy or girl name? Mccrae is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #5,318 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #42,080. Mccrae is more commonly used as a boy name.
Mccrae is currently ranked #5,318 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Mccrae has 2 syllables and is pronounced m-uhkr-AY, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Mccrae include Mac, Crae, and Cray. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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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