Graeme is a Scottish male given name derived from the Scottish Gaelic word 'Griogair', which means "vigorous". The name Griogair is composed of two elements: 'griog' meaning "warlike" or "spear", and 'mair' meaning "famous" or "celebrated". Therefore, Graeme can be translated as "famous warrior".
The name has a long history in Scotland. It was first recorded in the 12th century when it was spelled Griogair. Over time, the spelling evolved to Graham and eventually to Graeme. Despite these variations, all forms of the name are derived from the same Scottish Gaelic origins.
Graeme has been popular in Scotland for centuries but it was not widely used outside of Scotland until the 19th century when it began to appear more frequently in other English-speaking countries. Today, Graeme is recognized as a Scottish name with international appeal.
There are no specific associated festivals or traits of character linked directly to the name Graeme beyond its historical and cultural significance. However, like any name, individual personalities and experiences contribute to the overall perception and interpretation of what it means to be named Graeme.
The name Graeme has been a relatively uncommon choice for newborns in the United States, with fluctuations in its popularity over the decades. Between 1933 and 2023, there have been a total of 2819 births to babies named Graeme.
During the early to mid-20th century, the name's usage was quite sporadic, with no more than 7 births per year occurring between 1933 and 1963. However, starting in the late 1960s, there was a noticeable increase in the number of babies named Graeme each year.
The peak popularity of the name occurred during the early 2010s, with 201 births recorded in 2012 – an unprecedented high for the name. This popularity has since declined, with only 23 births reported in 2023. Despite this recent decrease, it is clear that Graeme has had a consistent presence among American newborns over the years.
In terms of trends, there appears to be a cycle of increase and decrease in the usage of the name Graeme. While it may not have been as popular as many other names throughout history, its enduring presence in the U.S. demonstrates that it continues to appeal to parents seeking unique and distinctive names for their children.