What does Grace mean and where does it come from?
The name Grace comes from the Latin word 'gratia', which means 'grace' or 'favor'. It began to be widely used as a given name for girls in the 18th century. In Christian traditions, grace is often associated with divine assistance and love. The name was historically given to denote a woman's virtues
Cultural significance
Grace has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in England-speaking communities, where it reflects values of god's favor or blessing.
Peak popularity
Reached #13 in 1883 — currently #39 in the US.
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Related Reading
England-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Grace?
Grace works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Grace Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Grace Rose
Floral · soft ending
Grace Mae
Sweet · timeless
Grace Claire
French influence · crisp
Grace Jane
Literary · strong
Grace Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Grace right now?
Holding steady — currently #39 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #39 | 4,904 | ▼ down 4 · -7% births |
| 2022 | #35 | 5,289 | ▼ down 2 · -5% births |
| 2021 | #33 | 5,540 | ▼ down 5 · -1% births |
| 2020 | #28 | 5,569 | ▼ down 9 · -27% births |
| 2015 | #19 | 7,656 | ▼ down 1 |
| 2010 | #18 | 7,683 | ▼ down 4 · -35% births |
| 2005 | #14 | 11,861 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2000 | #19 | 11,285 | ▲ up 78 · +225% births |
| 1995 | #97 | 3,470 | ▲ up 43 · +59% births |
| 1990 | #140 | 2,186 | ▲ up 102 · +105% births |
| 1985 | #242 | 1,064 | ▲ up 75 · +40% births |
| 1980 | #317 | 761 | ▲ up 49 · +34% births |
| 1975 | #366 | 568 | ▼ down 27 · -27% births |
| 1970 | #339 | 776 | ▼ down 83 · -30% births |
| 1965 | #256 | 1,115 | — |
The story of Grace
Grace has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #13 in 1883. Over 510K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. Grace is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Grace in 1883:
Grace by decade
Grace peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 15,276 | |
| 1890s | 23,909 | |
| 1900s | 27,029 | |
| 1910s | 58,134 | |
| 1920s | 60,287 | |
| 1930s | 31,510 | |
| 1940s | 19,443 | |
| 1950s | 15,971 | |
| 1960s | 11,242 | |
| 1970s | 6,099 | |
| 1980s | 11,849 | |
| 1990s | 39,906 | |
| 2000s ★ | 110,871 | |
| 2010s | 72,910 | |
| 2020s | 5,575 | |
What are good nicknames for Grace?
Famous people named Grace
GK
Grace Kelly
American actress who became Princess of Monaco after marrying Prince Rainier III in 1956
GH
Grace Hopper
American computer scientist and US Navy Rear Admiral who pioneered computer programming
GJ
Grace Jones
Jamaican-American supermodel, singer, and actress known as an icon of style and androgyny
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Grace (theology)
In Christian theology, Grace represents divine love and blessing, giving this name its spiritual depth
GA
Gracie Allen
American comedian and actress who formed one of comedy's greatest partnerships with George Burns
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Grace?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Grace also consider these
How is Grace written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Grace
What does the name Grace mean?
Grace means "God's favor or blessing" — a name rooted in England 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 Grace?
Grace is currently ranked #39 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Grace?
Grace originates from England tradition. England 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 Grace?
Grace is a one-syllable name pronounced G R EY1 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Grace sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Grace flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Grace ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.