Craig is a name of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic word 'creag', which means "rock" or "crag". It is often associated with rocky outcrops or cliffs in Scotland's rugged landscape.
The name Craig has been used for centuries in Scotland and was traditionally given to boys born into families living near craggy terrain. Over time, it gained popularity beyond its native borders, becoming a popular choice among English-speaking families around the world.
In the Middle Ages, there were records of individuals named Craig in Scotland, such as Sir Thomas Craig, a 16th-century lawyer and poet. However, it was not until the 19th century that the name began to appear more frequently in England and other parts of Britain.
Today, Craig remains a popular unisex given name, although it is still more commonly used for boys. It has been ranked among the top 1,000 names for babies born in several English-speaking countries over the past few decades.
Some notable people with the name Craig include American actor Craig T. Nelson, Canadian singer-songwriter Craig Northey, and Scottish author Iain Banks (whose real name was Iain Craig Oban).
In summary, Craig is a name with strong Scottish roots, meaning "rock" or "crag". While its origins date back centuries, it has gained popularity in recent times as a unisex given name. Despite its traditional association with boys, the name Craig can be given to either gender and carries an enduring appeal thanks to its simple yet meaningful moniker.
Craig is a unique and distinctive name that has seen a varied trend in popularity over the past century in the United States. According to the statistics provided, the number of births with the name Craig peaked in the late 1960s and early 1970s, with a high of 46 births in 1970.
Interestingly, the name Craig appeared most frequently in the years immediately following World War II, with seven births each in 1943 and 1945. This could potentially be attributed to a naming trend that was popular during that time or perhaps due to the influence of notable figures with the name Craig who may have been serving in the military at that time.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the popularity of the name Craig began to decline, with fewer than 25 births per year on average. The most recent data from 1996 indicates that there were only five births with the name Craig in that year.
Overall, over a period of nearly eight decades, from 1918 to 1996, there have been a total of 1012 births with the name Craig in the United States. This represents a significant number of individuals who share this distinctive and unique name. Despite fluctuations in popularity over time, the name Craig continues to be a popular choice for parents seeking a strong and memorable name for their child.