Graham is a masculine given name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic word "Griogair," which means "servant of God." The name Griogair was anglicized to Graham during the medieval period when Scotland was under English rule.
The name Graham has a rich history in Scottish culture and has been associated with several notable figures throughout history. One of the most famous Grahams was Sir William Graham, who was a Scottish nobleman and soldier during the 14th century. He fought alongside Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 and was later appointed as the High Sheriff of Lanarkshire.
Today, Graham is still a popular given name in Scotland and other parts of the world. It is often associated with strength, courage, and devotion, reflecting its origins as a servant of God. The name has also gained popularity outside of Scotland due to its distinctive sound and unique spelling.
In terms of famous Grahams throughout history, some notable figures include Graham Greene, an English novelist and playwright, and Graham Bell, the Scottish-born inventor who is credited with inventing and developing the telephone. These individuals have helped to further popularize the name and contribute to its enduring appeal.
Overall, Graham is a strong and distinctive given name of Scottish origin that has a rich history and has been associated with several notable figures throughout history. Its meaning as "servant of God" reflects its religious origins, while its association with strength and courage reflects its Scottish heritage.
The given statistics illustrate the annual occurrences of the birth name Graham in the United States from 1915 to 2023. The data shows a fluctuating trend over time.
From 1915 to 1980, there were only five instances where the name Graham was given more than twice in a year. The peak during this period was three times when six babies were named Graham in the years 1968, 1980, and 1983.
However, from 1985 onwards, we start to see an increase in the number of births with the name Graham. This trend continues and even accelerates into recent years. Between 1985 and 2022, there were only two instances where fewer than six babies were named Graham annually.
The highest peak occurred in 2023, with sixteen babies being named Graham at birth. This is a significant increase from the previous year's total of twelve births with the same name.
In summary, while the name Graham has not always been a popular choice for newborns in the United States, its popularity has grown significantly since the mid-1980s. Despite some fluctuations, the general trend over time shows an increasing preference for this name among parents.