Fraser is a Scottish surname and given name, derived from the Gaelic Fraser meaning 'battle ready'. It was originally a nickname for a brave warrior. The Frasers of Lovat are one of the most prominent Highland clans associated with this name. They were known for their bravery and loyalty, contributing significantly to Scottish history. In recent years, Fraser has gained popularity as a given name, especially in English-speaking countries like Scotland, England, Canada, and Australia. Notable individuals bearing this name include Sir Simon Fraser, a British explorer who mapped the Canadian Rockies, and Peter Fraser, New Zealand's fourth prime minister.
These statistics show a fluctuating trend for the name Fraser over the years, with periods of higher popularity followed by decreases. The highest numbers of births occurred in recent years, notably 2021 and 2022 with 15 and 13 births respectively. However, there have been several years where the number of births was quite low, such as 5 or fewer occurrences, particularly between the 1940s and 1960s.