What does McCrae mean and where does it come from?
McCrae is a Scottish surname that has evolved into a given name primarily in the 20th and 21st centuries. The 'Mac' prefix denotes 'son of', which is a common feature in Gaelic surnames. Notable bearers of the surname include poet John McCrae, known for writing 'In Flanders Fields', a famous war poe
Cultural significance
McCrae has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scotland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of son of the grace..
Peak popularity
Reached #5370 in 2024 — currently #8686 in the US.
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Related Reading
Scotland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell McCrae?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with McCrae?
McCrae works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
McCrae Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
McCrae John
One syllable · timeless choice
McCrae Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
McCrae Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
McCrae Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
McCrae Dean
One syllable · on the rise
How popular is McCrae right now?
Falling — down 3316 spots — currently #8686 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #8686 | 9 | ▼ down 3316 · -50% births |
| 2024 | #5370 | 18 | ▲ up 462 · +13% births |
| 2023 | #5832 | 16 | ▼ down 1032 · -24% births |
| 2022 | #4800 | 21 | ▲ up 3795 · +133% births |
| 2021 | #8595 | 9 | ▼ down 2151 · -31% births |
| 2020 | #6444 | 13 | ▲ up 2022 · +44% births |
| 2015 | #8466 | 9 | ▲ up 904 · +13% births |
| 2010 | #9370 | 8 | ▲ up 3244 · +60% births |
| 2005 | #12614 | 5 | — |
The story of McCrae
McCrae is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1998. With 148 total births recorded, McCrae remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #12614 in 2005 to #5832 in 2023. McCrae is used for both genders: 3% female and 97% male.
Names that peaked alongside McCrae in 2024:
McCrae by decade
McCrae peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1990s | 7 | |
| 2000s | 21 | |
| 2010s ★ | 107 | |
| 2020s | 40 | |
💎McCrae has only 148 total recorded births since 1998 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for McCrae?
What names sound and feel like McCrae?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love McCrae also consider these
Common questions about the name McCrae
What does the name McCrae mean?
McCrae means "Son of the grace." — a name rooted in Scotland tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name McCrae?
McCrae is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for McCrae have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of McCrae?
McCrae originates from Scotland tradition. Scotland names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name McCrae?
McCrae is a two-syllable name pronounced mukr-AY. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is McCrae trending right now?
McCrae is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.