Graves

“from the grove”

United Kingdom origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#12860US 2023

5Births / yr

↓Falling

92All-time births

📅 Since 188700

How to pronounce Graves

GRAYVZ

/ˈɡreɪvz/ · stress on GRAYVZ · 1 syllable

“from the grove”

United Kingdom origin · Boy name

What does Graves mean and where does it come from?

The name Graves is primarily of English origin and can be a surname turned forename. It derives from Old French, specifically from 'Grove,' meaning a small wood or grove of trees. Given its use as a surname, it has historical ties to individuals who were landowners or charged with the administration

Cultural significance

Graves has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in United Kingdom-speaking communities, where it reflects values of from the grove.

Peak popularity

Reached #1056 in 1887 — currently #12860 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Graves?

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

Graves Grace

How popular is Graves right now?

Falling — down 2702 spots — currently #12860 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1920–2023#12860 · Top 9.5%

1920

1935

1960

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#12860	5	▼ down 2702 · -29% births
2022	#10158	7	▲ up 2613 · +40% births
2021	#12771	5	▼ down 816
2020	#11955	5	▼ down 7841
1960	#4114	5	▼ down 792 · -17% births
1935	#3322	6	▲ up 549
1920	#3871	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Graves

Best Year1935Rank #3322

Peak Count7

Average Rank#8436

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1920 - 20237 years

The story of Graves

Graves has been a beloved American name for over 137 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1887. With 92 total births recorded, Graves remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3871 in 1920, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #12860 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Graves in 1887:

John William James George Charles

Graves by decade

Graves peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	5
1910s ★	28
1920s	27
1930s	11
1960s	10
2010s	6
2020s	5

💎Graves has only 92 total recorded births since 1887 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Graves?

Common

GraGravGravieGravyAves

What names sound and feel like Graves?

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

English · to carve, engrave

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Taves

American · Tavern keeper

Caves

Latin · A Latin name

Common questions about the name Graves

What does the name Graves mean?

Graves means "from the grove" — 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 Graves?

Graves is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy 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 Graves?

Graves 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 Graves?

Graves is a one-syllable name pronounced G R EY1 V Z. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

How does Graves sound with different last names?

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