Raith is a unique and distinctive male given name of Scottish origin. It is believed to have been derived from the ancient Scottish Gaelic name Rath, which means "red-haired." This name was popular among the early Scottish clans and was often passed down through generations.
The earliest known record of the name Raith appears in Scotland in the 13th century. According to the Blackwood's Magazine, a publication that has been documenting Scottish family history since the 18th century, Raith was a common name among the Clan MacKinnon, who were known for their fierce loyalty and bravery.
Throughout history, the name Raith has been associated with several notable figures in Scottish history. One of the most famous was Raith MacKinnon, who fought alongside Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. His courage and skill on the battlefield helped to secure Scotland's independence from English rule.
Today, Raith remains a rare but meaningful name choice for parents looking for a unique Scottish moniker for their baby boy. While it may not be as well-known as some other Scottish names like Ian or Donald, those who choose this name for their child can take pride in its rich history and unique meaning.
The name Raith has seen a varied number of births over the past few decades in the United States. According to the available data, there were five births with the name Raith in 1991. The following decade saw an increase in its popularity, with eight babies named Raith born in 2002.
The year 2005 marked a slight decrease in the number of Raiths born, with six newborns sharing this unique moniker. This figure remained consistent for two years, as there were also six births in 2006. The name Raith then experienced another brief resurgence in popularity between 2009 and 2010, with eight babies named Raith born each year.
After a slight dip in the number of births with the name Raith in 2017 (with just two occurrences), there was a notable increase in its usage once again in 2020. That year saw seven newborns being named Raith, demonstrating that this name continues to hold some appeal for parents even decades after its initial popularity.
In total, over these years, there were forty-six births with the name Raith across the United States, showing that while it may not be one of the most common names in the country, it has still managed to make a mark on the baby-naming landscape.