Rainier is a unique and distinctive given name of French origin, derived from the Germanic elements 'Ragin' meaning 'advice, counsel', and 'heri' meaning 'army'. It is a variant spelling of Rainer, which was popularized in France by Rainier III, Prince of Monaco, who ruled from 1949 until his death in 2005. This name is often associated with the Cascade Mountain Range's highest peak, Mount Rainier, located in Washington State, USA. While not as common as some other names, Rainier offers a distinct and elegant choice for parents seeking a name with a touch of international flair.
The name Rainier has seen a significant increase in popularity over time, with a notable spike starting around the late 1970s. The highest number of births recorded in a single year was in 2022 and 2023, both with 40 births each, marking a substantial rise compared to earlier years when the numbers were often in single digits or teens. However, it's important to note that the total number of births for Rainier has been relatively low throughout most of its history, reaching a total of 812 births over these decades.