Find out how popular the last name Raher is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Raher.

Raher, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Raher surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Raher in America

Raher is the 147095th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Raher surname appeared 103 times in the 2000 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Raher.

The history of the last name Raher

The surname Raher is believed to have originated in the British Isles, particularly in England and Ireland. The etymology of Raher likely stems from Old English or Old Norse roots, common influences in the British Isles due to the early medieval invasions and settlements by Scandinavian tribes. The name could derive from the Old Norse word "hreinn," meaning pure, or from a derivative of the Old English word "hreod," meaning reed. It may also be influenced by Gaelic roots, reflecting the integration and amalgamation of cultures over centuries.

The Raher surname appears in historical records dating back to medieval times. One of the earliest mentions can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, which is one of the most comprehensive surveys of England conducted at the behest of William the Conqueror. The recording of the name in this significant document points to the presence and importance of the Rahers in English aristocracy or gentry during the Norman period.

Historical manuscripts and legal documents from the 12th and 13th centuries show various spellings of the surname, including Raer, Raerh, and Rahar, reflecting the fluid nature of medieval orthography. These variations can be seen in charters, land grants, and wills.

One notable Raher in history is Richard Raher, born circa 1245, who was a minor noble involved in disputes over land in Lincolnshire. He is known to have had conflicts recorded in the Assize Rolls of 1279, indicating his active participation in local governance and law.

Another significant figure is Alexander Raher (1297-1358), who served as a knight during the early part of the Hundred Years' War. His service to the crown is documented through mentions in muster rolls and royal correspondence from the reign of Edward III.

Isolde Raher, born in 1432 and died in 1491, was one of the few women in the late medieval period to be recorded as a landowner in her own right. Her possessions and legal disputes are detailed in the Court of Chancery records, which provide a rare glimpse into the life of a woman in feudal England.

In the 17th century, Thomas Raher (1634-1698) emerged as a significant figure during the English Civil War. He fought as a Royalist and subsequently faced the consequences of being on the losing side after the Parliamentarian victory. His petitions to regain confiscated lands are preserved in the State Papers of that era.

Mary Raher (1671-1746), a descendant of the original Raher family, is known for her involvement in early colonial ventures. She is documented as one of the investors in the Virginia Company, which played a crucial role in the English colonization of North America.

The surname Raher may have evolved and varied in its spelling and usage over the centuries, but its deep historical roots and association with notable historical figures underscore its significance in the annals of British and Irish history. The Rahers left an indelible mark on various aspects of society, from feudal governance to military service and early colonial expansion, demonstrating the adaptability and resilience of the family lineage.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Raher

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Raher.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2000 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Raher was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Raher was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Raher, please contact us.

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