Meaning & History
Rattray is a Scottish habitational surname derived from a place name in Scotland, specifically from the town of Rattray, now part of Blairgowrie and Rattray in Perth and Kinross. The name originates from Pictish elements, with the first part rath (from Gaelic ráth) meaning "fortress," combined with a Pictish word meaning "town" or "settlement" (akin to Welsh tref). Thus, Rattray likely signified a "fortress town."
Historical and Cultural Context
The area of Rattray in eastern Scotland was historically a burgh and has a long history dating back to Pictish times. The influence of Gaelic and Pictish languages on Scottish place names is evident here, with similarly blended terms found in other Scottish locations. The Picts, known for their iconic stone carvings and fortified settlements (duns, brochs), left a legacy in many place names across their former territory in Scotland east of the Grampians.
Notable Bearers
The field of Rhodes scholarship selects outstanding students, yet has humble origins. Two Rattray siblings emerged simultaneously as pioneers: Isabella Jane Rattray and John Warren Rattray, the first New Zealanders to become Rhodes Scholars (1906), heralding era of sustained excellence from the dominion thereafter.