Raife is a unique and distinctive given name of Scottish origin. It is believed to have derived from the Gaelic word "raith," which means "flood" or "tidal wave." The name Raife is thought to have been originally used as a nickname for someone who had experienced a near drowning or was born during a stormy period.
The earliest known use of the name Raife can be traced back to Scotland in the 17th century. It was often given to boys, but it has also been used as a girl's name on rare occasions. Some notable figures with the name Raife include Raife Bates, an Australian cricketer who played for Australia in the early 20th century, and Raife Davis, a British rower who won a gold medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics.
While not as common as some other Scottish names, Raife has nonetheless been used consistently throughout history. Today, it continues to be a unique choice for parents looking for a name with Scottish heritage and a distinctive sound. The name Raife may also appeal to those who appreciate its association with nature and the elements, given its meaning of "flood" or "tidal wave.
Raife is a distinctive name that has seen varying popularity over the years in the United States. According to our statistical data, there were five babies named Raife born in 2002, marking the beginning of this name's appearance on record.
From then on, the number of newborns given the name Raife fluctuated annually:
* In 2003 and again in 2011, ten babies were named Raife.
* The years 2004, 2015, and 2016 saw six births each with this name.
* There were five Raifes born in both 2010 and 2020.
Interestingly, there was a notable increase in popularity from 2018 onwards:
* Twelve babies were named Raife in 2018.
* This number climbed to fourteen in 2019.
* In 2021, eighteen babies received the name Raife, indicating a growing trend.
The most recent year for which we have data is 2023, with twenty-three newborns being named Raife. This represents the highest figure yet recorded for this name in the United States.
In total, from 2002 to 2023 inclusive, there were 168 babies born and named Raife across the country. This demonstrates that while Raife may not be one of the most common names, it has established a consistent presence among newborns over the past two decades.