Graham: Name Meaning, Origin, Popularity, & Inspiration

Boy name origins & meanings

Latin : Grain
English : Gray home
German : Raven
Scottish: Gravelly homestead

What does Graham mean and stand for?

The name Graham is of many origins, but is most often stated to be of Scottish origin and means "gravelly homestead." It is from the Scottish surname that was derived from the English place name Grantham, which means the same thing. It was first taken to Scotland in the 12th century.

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Boy name variations

Family name origins & meanings

Scottish and English : habitational name from Grantham in Lincolnshire, recorded in Domesday Book as Graham (as well as Grantham, Grandham, and Granham). See also Grantham.
The surname Graham is now most common in Scotland and northern Ireland. It was taken to Scotland at the beginning of the 12th century by the Norman baron William de Graham, holder of the manor in Lincolnshire, from whom many if not all modern bearers are probably descended.

Popularity

According to Social Security Administration data, Graham has been fairly stagnant for the last five years, staying between 170 and 190. It reached its peak rank of 176 in 2015.

However, it is the 22nd most popular name on FamilyEducation.com.

According to Google search data analysis, in the last five years Graham was at its peak popularity in February 2018.

Graham was first popular in Scotland and England before making its way to America. The name invokes images of astronomer Graham E. Bell, comedian Graham Chapman, novelist (Henry) Graham Greene, singer Graham Parker, actor Graham Patrick Martin, and singer Graham Nash. It's also been the popular choice for fictional characters, appearing in The Internship, Hannibal, and Resident Evil 4.