Graham

“gravelly homestead”

Scotland origin · Unisex name

♂ 100% boys♀ 0% girls

#141US 2023

2.5kBirths / yr

↑Rising

48.5kAll-time births

📅 Since 191500

How to pronounce Graham

GRAM

/ˈɡræm/ · stress on GRAM · 1 syllable

“gravelly homestead”

Scotland origin · Unisex name

What does Graham mean and where does it come from?

The name Graham originates from Scotland, derived from the Old English elements 'gravel' and 'ham', meaning 'gravelly homestead'. Though Graham is traditionally a male name, it has been increasingly used for females, especially in modern contexts. Its first recorded use dates back to the 12th centur

Cultural significance

Graham has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scotland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of scottish.

Peak popularity

Reached #4313 in 1915 — currently #141 in the US.

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How else can you spell Graham?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Graham?

Graham works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Graham Grace

How popular is Graham right now?

Rising — up 14 spots — currently #141 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2023#141 · Top 0.10%

1915

1980

1985

1990

1995

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#141	2,537	▲ up 14 · +6% births
2022	#155	2,400	▲ up 6 · +1% births
2021	#161	2,381	▲ up 11903 · +33914% births
2020	#12064	7	▼ down 1915 · -30% births
2015	#10149	10	▲ up 1669 · +67% births
1995	#11818	6	▲ up 1191 · +20% births
1990	#13009	5	▼ down 3656 · -17% births
1985	#9353	6	▼ down 220
1980	#9133	6	▼ down 4820 · +20% births
1915	#4313	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Graham

Best Year2023Rank #141

Peak Count2,537

Average Rank#7030

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1915 - 202310 years

The story of Graham

Graham entered American naming records in 1915 and has been in use for over 109 years. A total of 48,487 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4313 in 1915 to #141 in 2023. Graham is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.

Names that peaked alongside Graham in 1915:

Mary Helen Dorothy Margaret Ruth

Graham by decade

Graham peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	61
1890s	79
1900s	126
1910s	705
1920s	1,062
1930s	1,036
1940s	963
1950s	971
1960s	1,100
1970s	2,332
1980s	4,977
1990s	6,028
2000s	7,649
2010s ★	19,308
2020s	2,090

What are good nicknames for Graham?

Common

GraGrahGrahieGrahyAham

What names sound and feel like Graham?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Graham also consider these

Graeham

American · Gravelly homestead

Grantham

United Kingdom · From the gravelly

Grahame

Scotland · gravelly homestead

Arsham

Persian · a name derived

Arkham

Middle East · Arabic

Branham

American · A place name

How is Graham written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Graham

What does the name Graham mean?

Graham means "Scottish" — 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 Graham?

Graham is currently ranked #141 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Graham have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Graham?

Graham 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 Graham?

Graham is a one-syllable name pronounced G R AE1 M. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

How does Graham sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Graham flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Graham ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.