Rait History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Belgium
France
Scotland

Early Origins of the Rait family

The surname Rait was first found in Belgium, where the name became noted for its many branches in the region, each house acquiring a status and influence which was envied by the princes of the region. The name was first recorded in East Flanders, a province in Belgium. Within this province the notable towns are Ghent, the capital city, St Nicolas, Alost, Termonde and Oudenarde. In their later history the surname became a power unto themselves and were elevated to the ranks of nobility as they grew into a most influential family.

Early History of the Rait family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Rait research. Another 112 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1416, 1696, 1753, 1814, 1825 and 1844 are included under the topic Early Rait History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Rait Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Raet, Raete, Raetes, Raett, Raetts, Raette, Raets, Raetz, de Raet, van Raet, van der Raet, Rait, Raitte and many more.

Early Notables of the Rait family

More information is included under the topic Early Rait Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Rait migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Rait Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

James Rait, who arrived in Nevis sometime between 1653 and 1675

Rait Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Robert Rait, who settled in New York in 1833
Crichton S. Rait, who settled in New York, NY sometime between 1844 and 1877
Helen Rait, who arrived in New York in 1872

Rait migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Rait Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

David Rait, who settled in Nova Scotia sometime between 1772 and 1838

Rait migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Rait Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Alexander Rait, aged 28, a farm labourer, who arrived in Nelson, New Zealand aboard the ship "Thomas Harrison" in 1842
Ann Rait, aged 28, who arrived in Nelson, New Zealand aboard the ship "Thomas Harrison" in 1842
John Rait, aged 6, who arrived in Nelson, New Zealand aboard the ship "Thomas Harrison" in 1842
Christian Rait, aged 1, who arrived in Nelson, New Zealand aboard the ship "Thomas Harrison" in 1842
Mr. Alexander Rait, (b. 1814), aged 28, British farm labourer travelling from London aboard the ship "Thomas Harrison" arriving in Nelson, South Island, New Zealand on 28th October 1842 1
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Citations +

New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 26th March 2019). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html