Macrae

Origin

Scottish, Gaelic origin from the surname MacRae, derived from the Gaelic Mac Raith meaning 'son of grace or prosperous'. Historically, the name appears in Scottish clan records and clan MacRae charters. The surname has been present in Australia since the 19th century, brought by Scottish immigrants, and is now used as a given name.

Meaning

'Son of Grace' or 'Son of Prosperity'. In the Australian context, the name signifies a connection to Scottish heritage, often implying qualities of kindness and success.

Pronunciation

/ˈmæk.ɹeɪ/ (Australian English pronunciation, with stress on the first syllable) or /ˈmæk.ɹɛ/ with slight variation depending on regional accent. Typically pronounced with a soft 'a' in the first syllable and a long 'a' in the second.

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• Most common in Scotland and among Scottish communities in Australia, no fixed date, but sometimes celebrated on 17 March (St. Patrick's Day) or associated with Scottish cultural festivals.
• Australian Scottish Heritage Day - 8 August (commemorates Scottish culture and history in Australia).
• Māori and Aboriginal cultural events generally do not include this name, as it is of Gaelic origin.

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with macrae:

• James MacRae, William MacRae
• Ewan MacRae, Lachlan MacRae
• No specific cultural restrictions, but names often paired with traditional Australian or Gaelic names.

Fun Facts

• The surname MacRae is associated with the Clan MacRae, a prominent Scottish clan known for their participation in various Scottish battles.
• Many Australian athletes, musicians, and politicians carry the surname or given name MacRae, reflecting Scottish influence.
• The surname has been used for Australian businesses and brands, evoking Scottish heritage.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name macrae:

• Traditionally associated with qualities of kindness, resilience, and prosperity.
• Possibly perceived as a strong, dependable name, often linked to Scottish aristocratic dignity in Australian cultural perceptions.
• In familial narratives, MacRae is sometimes connected to themes of heritage, migration, and community support.

Aesthetic Qualities

Largely classical and solid in appearance, visually balanced with 'MacRae' or 'MacRae' presenting a neat, strong typographic impression in Australian print and digital media.

Geographical Distribution

More common in states with larger Scottish immigrant populations, such as Victoria and South Australia. Less common in Queensland and Western Australia.

Numerological Significance

Name number 6, associated with harmony, responsibility, and service. Indicates a personality inclined towards caring, nurturing, and maintaining relationships.

Astrological Connections

Aligns with Taurus or Cancer signs, often associated with dependability, loyalty, and nurturing traits, matching traditional perceptions of the name's qualities.

Historical Context

The surname has been borne by notable figures in Australian history, including military officers and colonial pioneers. It appears in Australian literature and history as a marker of Scottish heritage.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name adapts well across languages, typically retained in spelling and pronunciation in English-speaking countries, with Gaelic variants like 'Mac Ràdha' used in Ireland.

Famous People Named macrae

• Alex MacRae (Footballer)
• Iain MacRae (Author)
• Tammy MacRae (Actor)

Popularity in Australia