Ras

“Chief” — Associated with notable figures such as Ras Makonnen

Ethiopia origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#13701US 2023

5Births / yr

↓Falling

386All-time births

📅 Since 188600.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Ras

RAS

/ˈræs/ · stress on RAS · 1 syllable

“Chief”

Associated with notable figures such as Ras Makonnen · Ethiopia origin

What does Ras mean and where does it come from?

Ras is an Ethiopian name that translates to 'chief' or 'head', often signifying nobility or leadership. It has historical significance in Ethiopia, especially among the nobility and is associated with notable figures such as Ras Makonnen, the father of Haile Selassie. The title Ras in Ethiopia was c

Cultural significance

Ras has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ethiopia-speaking communities, where it reflects values of chief.

Peak popularity

Reached #736 in 1890 — currently #13701 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Ras?

Ras works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Ras Grace

How popular is Ras right now?

Falling — down 71 spots — currently #13701 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1890–2023#13701 · Top 10%

1890

1910

1915

1920

1925

1945

1960

1980

1990

2000

2005

2015

2021

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#13701	5	▼ down 71
2021	#13630	5	▼ down 4863 · -37% births
2015	#8767	8	▲ up 2754 · +60% births
2005	#11521	5	▼ down 1117
2000	#10404	5	▼ down 2209
1990	#8195	5	▼ down 3213 · -29% births
1980	#4982	7	▼ down 870 · +40% births
1960	#4112	5	▼ down 1055 · -17% births
1945	#3057	6	▲ up 139 · -25% births
1925	#3196	8	▼ down 556 · -27% births
1920	#2640	11	▼ down 424 · -8% births
1915	#2216	12	▼ down 534 · +140% births
1910	#1682	5	▼ down 946 · -44% births
1890	#736	9	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Ras

Best Year1910Rank #1682

Peak Count12

Average Rank#6777

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1910 - 202313 years

The story of Ras

Ras has been a beloved American name for over 138 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1886. With 386 total births recorded, Ras remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #736 in 1890, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #13701 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Ras in 1890:

John William James George Charles

Ras by decade

Ras peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	10
1890s	27
1900s	11
1910s	59
1920s ★	76
1930s	33
1940s	17
1950s	15
1960s	10
1970s	10
1980s	28
1990s	42
2000s	28
2010s	20

💎Ras has only 386 total recorded births since 1886 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Ras?

Common

RasieRasy

What names sound and feel like Ras?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ras also consider these

Rass

American · A variation of

Ray

American · Beam of light

Raf

English · A meaningful name

Japanese · a common given

Cas

Dutch · brave

Common questions about the name Ras

What does the name Ras mean?

Ras means "Chief" — a name rooted in Ethiopia 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 Ras?

Ras is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Ras?

Ras originates from Ethiopia tradition. Ethiopia 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 Ras?

Ras is a one-syllable name pronounced R AE1 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

How does Ras sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Ras flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Ras ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.