Ras is a name of African origin, specifically from the Amharic language spoken in Ethiopia and Eritrea. It means "head" or "chief" in Amharic. The name Ras has been used for centuries in the region, with some notable historical figures bearing this name.
One famous bearer of the name Ras was Emperor Haile Selassie (formerly known as Ras Tafari), who ruled Ethiopia from 1930 to 1974. Before becoming emperor, he held the title of "Ras" which signified his status as a prince or duke within the Ethiopian royal hierarchy.
The name Ras has also gained popularity outside of Africa due to its association with the Rastafari movement. This religious and social movement emerged in Jamaica in the 1930s, centered around veneration for Haile Selassie as a divine figure. Members of this movement often adopt African names like Ras, which reflects their connection to their perceived African roots.
In summary, Ras is an ancient African name that translates to "head" or "chief". It has historical significance in Ethiopia and Eritrea, with notable figures like Emperor Haile Selassie bearing the title Ras. Additionally, the name has gained global recognition through its association with the Rastafari movement.
The given statistics illustrate the number of births with the name Ras in the United States from 1886 to 2023. The highest number of births occurred in 1914 and 1915, with 11 and 12 births respectively. After that peak, there was a noticeable decrease in the number of births with the name Ras. Between 1927 and 2005, the number of births remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 5 and 12 births per year. However, since 2005, the number of births with the name Ras has been consistently low, ranging from 5 to 8 births per year. In total, there have been 396 births with the name Ras in the United States over the period of time covered by these statistics.