Rae

♂ Boy

How to Pronounce Rae

Pronounced RAY /ˈreɪ/Medium

Meaning: A spelling of Ray — variously the English word 'a beam of light' and a short form of Raymond ('counsel-protection', Germanic); used for both sexes; here for boys; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: A beam of light; counsel-protection: Rae spells Ray. Crisp, modern, and warm. Used for both sexes (here for boys; said 'RAY').

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Origin LowEnglish, Germanic

MeaningA spelling of Ray — variously the English word 'a beam of light' and a short form of Raymond ('counsel-protection', Germanic); used for both sexes; here for boys; routes layered

U.S. rank (2024)#7593 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births11 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1923

Total births (all-time)≈ 955

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Rae is a spelling of Ray — variously the English word 'a beam of light' and a short form of Raymond ('counsel-protection', Germanic; routes layered, which we note). Used for both sexes, here for a boy (slug distinguished; said 'RAY').

In the U.S. it appears for both sexes. Rare in this form, a-beam-of-light at the root, and modern.

Did you know? Ray is variously the English word 'a beam of light' and a short form of Raymond ('counsel-protection') — Rae is a spelling, crisp and modern, used for both sexes (here for boys; the routes are layered, which we note; said 'RAY').

Overall data confidence 40%

References — Ray — unisex; routes layered

Variations

RayRayeRey

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

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If you like Rae…

Ray— the standard spelling

Raymond— a name it shortens

Rey— a kin spelling

Jae— a sound-neighbor one-syllable name

Explore names like Rae

By themeuncertain english unisex germanic light

By meaningLight Protector

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Rae mean?

Rae spells Ray — variously 'a beam of light' and a short form of Raymond ('counsel-protection'); used for both sexes; the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Rae?

It's said RAY /ˈreɪ/ — one syllable.

Is Rae a boy or girl name?

Rae is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a boy's name.

How popular is Rae?

Rae is a rare boys' name in the U.S.