What does Granville mean and where does it come from?
Granville has its origins rooted deeply in Old French and Old English, signifying a 'large town.' It has historically been used as a surname, particularly in the UK, but has gained traction as a first name in recent decades, especially in North America. Areas named Granville can be found in both the
Cultural significance
Granville has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in United Kingdom-speaking communities, where it reflects values of meaning 'large town' or 'great town'..
Peak popularity
Reached #331 in 1880 — currently #11071 in the US.
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Related Reading
United Kingdom-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Granville?
Granville works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Granville Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Granville Rose
Floral · soft ending
Granville Mae
Sweet · timeless
Granville Claire
French influence · crisp
Granville Jane
Literary · strong
Granville Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Granville right now?
Rising fast — up 1563 spots — currently #11071 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2020 | #10511 | 6 | ▲ up 1563 · +20% births |
| 2015 | #12074 | 5 | ▼ down 4428 · -44% births |
| 2005 | #7646 | 9 | ▲ up 160 · +50% births |
| 1995 | #7806 | 6 | ▼ down 2410 · -33% births |
| 1990 | #5396 | 9 | ▼ down 1583 · -18% births |
| 1985 | #3813 | 11 | ▼ down 1194 · -39% births |
| 1980 | #2619 | 18 | ▼ down 615 · -22% births |
| 1975 | #2004 | 23 | ▼ down 158 |
| 1970 | #1846 | 23 | ▼ down 358 · -15% births |
| 1965 | #1488 | 27 | ▼ down 310 · -39% births |
| 1960 | #1178 | 44 | ▲ up 63 · +19% births |
| 1955 | #1241 | 37 | ▼ down 336 · -35% births |
| 1950 | #905 | 57 | ▼ down 38 · +10% births |
| 1945 | #867 | 52 | ▼ down 162 · -30% births |
| 1940 | #705 | 74 | — |
The story of Granville
Granville has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 5,491 total births recorded, Granville remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #331 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #10511 in 2020.
Names that peaked alongside Granville in 1880:
Granville by decade
Granville peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 219 | |
| 1890s | 216 | |
| 1900s | 226 | |
| 1910s | 856 | |
| 1920s ★ | 1,189 | |
| 1930s | 783 | |
| 1940s | 671 | |
| 1950s | 490 | |
| 1960s | 314 | |
| 1970s | 214 | |
| 1980s | 134 | |
| 1990s | 82 | |
| 2000s | 57 | |
| 2010s | 34 | |
| 2020s | 6 | |
💎With 5,491 total births, Granville is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Granville?
What names sound and feel like Granville?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Granville also consider these
Common questions about the name Granville
What does the name Granville mean?
Granville means "Meaning 'large town' or 'great town'." — a name rooted in United Kingdom 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 Granville?
Granville is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Granville?
Granville originates from United Kingdom tradition. United Kingdom 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 Granville?
Granville is a two-syllable name pronounced G R AE1 N V IH0 L. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Granville a common or rare name?
Granville is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.