What does Craig mean and where does it come from?
Craig is traditionally a male Scottish name derived from the Gaelic word 'creag' meaning 'rock' or 'crag.' While it is primarily used for males, it has been adopted for females in more recent years, reflecting a trend of unisex names. The name has deep cultural ties to Scotland and is often found as
Cultural significance
Craig has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scotland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of rock or crag.
Peak popularity
Reached #1644 in 2025 — currently #1644 in the US.
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Related Reading
Scotland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Craig?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Craig?
Craig works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Craig Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Craig John
One syllable · timeless choice
Craig Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Craig Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Craig Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Craig Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Craig right now?
Rising fast — up 192 spots — currently #1644 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #1644 | 102 | ▲ up 192 · +16% births |
| 2024 | #1836 | 88 | ▼ down 299 · -23% births |
| 2023 | #1537 | 114 | ▼ down 39 · -6% births |
| 2022 | #1498 | 121 | ▼ down 56 · -3% births |
| 2021 | #1442 | 125 | ▲ up 11990 · +2400% births |
| 1995 | #13432 | 5 | ▼ down 7282 · -64% births |
| 1990 | #6150 | 14 | ▼ down 2014 · -26% births |
| 1985 | #4136 | 19 | ▲ up 208 · +12% births |
| 1980 | #4344 | 17 | ▲ up 44 · +21% births |
| 1975 | #4388 | 14 | ▼ down 2511 · -70% births |
| 1970 | #1877 | 46 | ▲ up 968 · +142% births |
| 1965 | #2845 | 19 | ▼ down 100 · -5% births |
| 1960 | #2745 | 20 | ▼ down 176 · +5% births |
| 1955 | #2569 | 19 | ▲ up 517 · +58% births |
| 1950 | #3086 | 12 | — |
The story of Craig
Craig entered American naming records in 1918 and has been in use for over 106 years. More than 300,091 babies have been named Craig since 1918. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5017 in 1920 to #1537 in 2023. Craig is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Craig in 2025:
Craig by decade
Craig peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 17 | |
| 1890s | 30 | |
| 1900s | 78 | |
| 1910s | 459 | |
| 1920s | 912 | |
| 1930s | 1,946 | |
| 1940s | 20,349 | |
| 1950s | 69,631 | |
| 1960s ★ | 84,969 | |
| 1970s | 59,098 | |
| 1980s | 38,319 | |
| 1990s | 16,139 | |
| 2000s | 5,538 | |
| 2010s | 2,460 | |
| 2020s | 336 | |
What are good nicknames for Craig?
What names sound and feel like Craig?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Craig also consider these
How is Craig written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Craig
What does the name Craig mean?
Craig means "rock or crag" — a name rooted in Scotland tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Craig?
Craig is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Craig?
Craig originates from Scotland tradition. Scotland names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Craig?
Craig is a one-syllable name pronounced KRAYG. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Craig sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Craig flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Craig ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.