Graham: Name Meaning, Origin, Popularity, and More

Fact: Graham crackers were named after Sylvester Graham, a dietary reformer.

Graham Overview

Meaning

Gravelly homestead, gravel area

Gender

Boy

Origin

Scottish, English

Etymology

Derived from a Scottish surname meaning “gravelly homestead” or “gray home.”

Pronunciation

/ˈɡreɪ.əm/

Popularity

Graham is a name that has moderate popularity in English-speaking countries. Recently, Graham has ranked within the top 200 names for boys in the USA.

Syllable

2 syllables

Length

6 letters

Numerology

3 (Expressive, Social, Artistic)

Name Styles

Classic, Earthy, Traditional

Associated Traits

Dependable, strong, thoughtful

Graham Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Grahame, Graeham, Graeme, Ghramm, Greame

Common Nicknames

Gram, Grammy, Gray, Grimmy, Hammy

Diminutives

Gam, Gray, Ham, Hammie, GG

Famous People

Graham Greene
(English Author)
Graham Chapman
(British Comedian)
Graham Norton
(Irish TV Host)
Graham Nash
(British-American Musician)
Graham Hill
(British Racing Driver)
Graham Taylor
(English Football Manager)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

Graham Hess
("Signs," Film)
"Graham Norton Show"
(TV Series)
Graham Aker
("Mobile Suit Gundam 00," Anime Series)
Graham Boone
("Private Practice," TV Series)
"Graham Cracker"
(Song)

Places

Graham City
(Texas, USA)
Graham Park
(Pennsylvania, USA)
Graham River
(British Columbia, Canada)
Graham Island
(Nunavut, Canada)
Graham Lake
(Maine, USA)
Graham County
(North Carolina, USA)

What Is the Meaning of Graham?

Graham means “gravelly homestead” or “gray home.” People named Graham are often perceived as reliable and grounded, embodying qualities of steadiness and trustworthiness.

What Is the Origin of The Name Graham?

The name Graham has Scottish roots, originating from the Grantham region in Lincolnshire, England. Historically, it was a surname that later became popular as a given name, reflecting its noble heritage in Scotland.

Graham Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Graham in the U.S. over the Years

United States	#1612021	#1552022	#1402023
Top 3 Rankings	#1402023	#1552022	#1612021

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Graham

Year	Name Ranking	Number of Births	Birth Rate (%)
2023	140 (+15 from 2022)	2533 (+133 from 2022)	0.13833
2022	155 (+6 from 2021)	2400 (+20 from 2021)	0.12814
2021	161 (+25 from 2020)	2380 (+285 from 2020)	0.12703
2020	186 (-6 from 2019)	2095 (-61 from 2019)	0.11326
2019	180 (+2 from 2018)	2156 (-18 from 2018)	0.11219
2018	182 (+3 from 2017)	2174 (+64 from 2017)	0.11185
2017	185 (-7 from 2016)	2110 (-137 from 2016)	0.10661
2016	178 (-2 from 2015)	2247 (-131 from 2015)	0.11093
2015	176 (+23 from 2014)	2378 (+339 from 2014)	0.11632
2014	199 (+4 from 2013)	2039 (+156 from 2013)	0.09950
2013	203 (+12 from 2012)	1883 (+168 from 2012)	0.09319
2012	215 (+41 from 2011)	1715 (+359 from 2011)	0.08452
2011	256 (+28 from 2010)	1356 (+167 from 2010)	0.06675
2010	284 (-21 from 2009)	1189 (-139 from 2009)	0.05788
2009	263 (+59 from 2008)	1328 (+297 from 2008)	0.06261
2008	322 (+60 from 2007)	1031 (+233 from 2007)	0.04728
2007	382 (+48 from 2006)	798 (+149 from 2006)	0.03603
2006	430 (-22 from 2005)	649 (-21 from 2005)	0.02960
2005	408 (+15 from 2004)	670 (+53 from 2004)	0.03149
2004	423 (-28 from 2003)	617 (-45 from 2003)	0.02920
2003	395 (+13 from 2002)	662 (+43 from 2002)	0.03151
2002	408 (-10 from 2001)	619 (-12 from 2001)	0.02995
2001	398 (+7 from 2000)	631 (+13 from 2000)	0.03051
2000	405 No change from 1999	618 (+20 from 1999)	0.02959
1999	405 No change from 1998	598 (-2 from 1998)	0.02933
1998	405 (+13 from 1997)	600 (+46 from 1997)	0.02959
1997	418 (-13 from 1996)	554 (-23 from 1996)	0.02773
1996	405 (-31 from 1995)	577 (-56 from 1995)	0.02880
1995	374 (+20 from 1994)	633 (+44 from 1994)	0.03147
1994	394 (-42 from 1993)	589 (-79 from 1993)	0.02890
1993	352 (+50 from 1992)	668 (+97 from 1992)	0.03234
1992	402 (-33 from 1991)	571 (-58 from 1991)	0.02720
1991	369 (+26 from 1990)	629 (+42 from 1990)	0.02967
1990	395 (+21 from 1989)	587 (+88 from 1989)	0.02728
1989	416 (-10 from 1988)	499 (+11 from 1988)	0.02381
1988	406 (-8 from 1987)	488 (+12 from 1987)	0.02437
1987	398 (-59 from 1986)	476 (-88 from 1986)	0.02441
1986	339 (+14 from 1985)	564 (+43 from 1985)	0.02935
1985	353 No change from 1984	521 (+3 from 1984)	0.02707
1984	353 (-8 from 1983)	518 (-7 from 1983)	0.02760
1983	345 (+24 from 1982)	525 (+51 from 1982)	0.02817
1982	369 (+13 from 1981)	474 (+25 from 1981)	0.02512
1981	382 No change from 1980	449 (+3 from 1980)	0.02411
1980	382 (+34 from 1979)	446 (+80 from 1979)	0.02405
1979	416 (+50 from 1978)	366 (+68 from 1978)	0.02043
1978	466 (+66 from 1977)	298 (+49 from 1977)	0.01744
1977	532 (-24 from 1976)	249 (+1 from 1976)	0.01457
1976	508 (+19 from 1975)	248 (+15 from 1975)	0.01519
1975	527 (+56 from 1974)	233 (+47 from 1974)	0.01436
1974	583 (+10 from 1973)	186 (+11 from 1973)	0.01141
1973	593 (-21 from 1972)	175 (-19 from 1972)	0.01085
1972	572 (-4 from 1971)	194 (-11 from 1971)	0.01159
1971	568 (+45 from 1970)	205 (+30 from 1970)	0.01128
1970	613 (+2 from 1969)	175 (+14 from 1969)	0.00919
1969	615 (+102 from 1968)	161 (+51 from 1968)	0.00880
1968	717 (+3 from 1967)	110 (+4 from 1967)	0.00620
1967	720 (+8 from 1966)	106 (+3 from 1966)	0.00596
1966	728 (+61 from 1965)	103 (+15 from 1965)	0.00567
1965	789 (-23 from 1964)	88 (-11 from 1964)	0.00464
1964	766 (-36 from 1963)	99 (-16 from 1963)	0.00488
1963	730 (+10 from 1962)	115 (+8 from 1962)	0.00557
1962	740 (-12 from 1961)	107 (-4 from 1961)	0.00509
1961	728 (+60 from 1960)	111 (+17 from 1960)	0.00515
1960	788 (-61 from 1959)	94 (-17 from 1959)	0.00434
1959	727 (-9 from 1958)	111 (+4 from 1958)	0.00512
1958	718 (+48 from 1957)	107 (+11 from 1957)	0.00497
1957	766 (-17 from 1956)	96 No change from 1956	0.00439
1956	749 (+63 from 1955)	96 (+15 from 1955)	0.00447
1955	812 (-67 from 1954)	81 (-11 from 1954)	0.00388
1954	745 (-1 from 1953)	92 No change from 1953	0.00445
1953	744 (-15 from 1952)	92 (-1 from 1952)	0.00459
1952	729 (-51 from 1951)	93 (-13 from 1951)	0.00471
1951	678 (+17 from 1950)	106 (+9 from 1950)	0.00554
1950	695 (-14 from 1949)	97 (-4 from 1949)	0.00533
1949	681 (+10 from 1948)	101 (+8 from 1948)	0.00560
1948	691 (-40 from 1947)	93 (-19 from 1947)	0.00522
1947	651 (-9 from 1946)	112 (+12 from 1946)	0.00603
1946	642 (+42 from 1945)	100 (+22 from 1945)	0.00606
1945	684 (-66 from 1944)	78 (-21 from 1944)	0.00569
1944	618 (+48 from 1943)	99 (+6 from 1943)	0.00713
1943	666 (-29 from 1942)	93 (-7 from 1942)	0.00639
1942	637 (-48 from 1941)	100 (-1 from 1941)	0.00710
1941	589 (+57 from 1940)	101 (+15 from 1940)	0.00805
1940	646 (-10 from 1939)	86 No change from 1939	0.00725
1939	636 (-89 from 1938)	86 (-26 from 1938)	0.00759
1938	547 (+23 from 1937)	112 (+10 from 1937)	0.00985
1937	570 (+25 from 1936)	102 (+7 from 1936)	0.00933
1936	595 (-60 from 1935)	95 (-21 from 1935)	0.00893
1935	535 (+28 from 1934)	116 (+6 from 1934)	0.01085
1934	563 (+14 from 1933)	110 (+10 from 1933)	0.01036
1933	577 (-21 from 1932)	100 (-13 from 1932)	0.00980
1932	556 (+28 from 1931)	113 (+13 from 1931)	0.01052
1931	584 (+21 from 1930)	100 (-2 from 1930)	0.00935
1930	605 (-25 from 1929)	102 (-4 from 1929)	0.00903
1929	580 (-13 from 1928)	106 (-11 from 1928)	0.00957
1928	567 (+86 from 1927)	117 (+23 from 1927)	0.01025
1927	653 (-31 from 1926)	94 (-7 from 1926)	0.00809
1926	622 (+32 from 1925)	101 (+6 from 1925)	0.00882
1925	654 (+32 from 1924)	95 (+5 from 1924)	0.00825
1924	686 (-106 from 1923)	90 (-27 from 1923)	0.00770
1923	580 (+49 from 1922)	117 (+12 from 1922)	0.01033
1922	629 (-80 from 1921)	105 (-24 from 1921)	0.00933
1921	549 (+55 from 1920)	129 (+21 from 1920)	0.01134
1920	604 (+24 from 1919)	108 (+15 from 1919)	0.00981
1919	628 (+46 from 1918)	93 (+8 from 1918)	0.00916
1918	674 (-57 from 1917)	85 (-7 from 1917)	0.00811
1917	617 (-70 from 1916)	92 (-17 from 1916)	0.00959
1916	547 (+25 from 1915)	109 (+11 from 1915)	0.01181
1915	572 (+37 from 1914)	98 (+30 from 1914)	0.01112
1914	609 (-5 from 1913)	68 (+15 from 1913)	0.00995
1913	604 (-20 from 1912)	53 (+5 from 1912)	0.00988
1912	584 (-7 from 1911)	48 (+20 from 1911)	0.01063
1911	577 (-21 from 1910)	28 (+2 from 1910)	0.01160
1910	556 (+59 from 1909)	26 (+7 from 1909)	0.01247
1909	615 (-2 from 1908)	19 (+1 from 1908)	0.01074
1908	613 (+3 from 1907)	18 (+1 from 1907)	0.01082
1907	616 (+93 from 1906)	17 (+5 from 1906)	0.01072
1906	709 (-10 from 1905)	12 No change from 1905	0.00833
1905	699 (-13 from 1904)	12 No change from 1904	0.00838
1904	686 (-67 from 1903)	12 (-1 from 1903)	0.00866
1903	619 (+243 from 1902)	13 (+5 from 1902)	0.01005
1902	862 (-213 from 1900)	8 (-7 from 1900)	0.00603
1901	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1900	649 (+402 from 1899)	15 (+10 from 1899)	0.00925
1899	1051 (-350 from 1898)	5 (-5 from 1898)	0.00434
1898	701 (+151 from 1897)	10 (+3 from 1897)	0.00757
1897	852 (-296 from 1895)	7 (-7 from 1895)	0.00574
1896	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1895	556 (+38 from 1894)	14 (+2 from 1894)	0.01105
1894	594 (+313 from 1893)	12 (+6 from 1893)	0.00961
1893	907 (-335 from 1892)	6 (-7 from 1892)	0.00496
1892	572 (+194 from 1891)	13 (+6 from 1891)	0.00989
1891	766 (+228 from 1890)	7 (+2 from 1890)	0.00641
1890	994 (-205 from 1889)	5 (-2 from 1889)	0.00418
1889	789 (-34 from 1888)	7 (-1 from 1888)	0.00588
1888	755 (-124 from 1887)	8 (-1 from 1887)	0.00616
1887	631 (+127 from 1886)	9 (+2 from 1886)	0.00823
1886	758 (+178 from 1885)	7 (+2 from 1885)	0.00588
1885	936 (-88 from 1884)	5 (-1 from 1884)	0.00431
1884	848 (-128 from 1883)	6 (-1 from 1883)	0.00489
1883	720 (+34 from 1882)	7 No change from 1882	0.00622
1882	754 (+112 from 1881)	7 (+2 from 1881)	0.00574
1881	866 First SSA data recorded	5 First SSA data recorded	0.00462
1880	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000

American States Popularity Rankings for Graham

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

California (CA)

#3412021

#3032022

#3442023

Texas (TX)

#2462021

#2302022

#2092023

North Carolina (NC)

#1362021

#1422022

#972023

Ohio (OH)

#1042021

#852022

#902023

Illinois (IL)

#1332021

#1222022

#1042023

New York (NY)

#2632021

#2362022

#2472023

Virginia (VA)

#1212021

#1352022

#1272023

Michigan (MI)

#1252021

#1412022

#1172023

Pennsylvania (PA)

#1732021

#1492022

#1552023

Indiana (IN)

#1152021

#972022

#1052023

Florida (FL)

#2362021

#2542022

#2352023

Minnesota (MN)

#682021

#582022

#532023

Georgia (GA)

#1852021

#1732022

#1522023

Massachusetts (MA)

#1312021

#1422022

#1102023

Wisconsin (WI)

#712021

#782022

#412023

Tennessee (TN)

#1092021

#1292022

#1092023

Missouri (MO)

#912021

#1372022

#1022023

Colorado (CO)

#1462021

#1102022

#1252023

Washington (WA)

#1592021

#1842022

#1842023

New Jersey (NJ)

#2372021

#2542022

#2262023

Utah (UT)

#662021

#772022

#652023

South Carolina (SC)

#1202021

#1392022

#1432023

Louisiana (LA)

#1232021

#982022

#1092023

Maryland (MD)

#1492021

#1742022

#1532023

Alabama (AL)

#1902021

#1582022

#1212023

Kansas (KS)

#812021

#612022

#1132023

Kentucky (KY)

#1072021

#1062022

#1052023

Iowa (IA)

#1012021

#662022

#802023

Arizona (AZ)

#1822021

#1792022

#2212023

Oregon (OR)

#1242021

#1582022

#1222023

Connecticut (CT)

#1952021

#2272022

#1382023

Oklahoma (OK)

#1572021

#1482022

#952023

Nebraska (NE)

#932021

#912022

#302023

Arkansas (AR)

#1632021

#2262022

#1442023

Mississippi (MS)

#2182021

#1602022

#2032023

New Hampshire (NH)

#1392021

#1242022

#912023

District of Columbia (DC)

#412021

#1722022

#432023

Idaho (ID)

#1922021

#992022

#1252023

Maine (ME)

#1172021

#1412022

#892023

North Dakota (ND)

#942021

#732022

#402023

South Dakota (SD)

#752021

#1042022

#642023

Nevada (NV)

#4182021

#4072022

#4612023

Rhode Island (RI)

#1632021

#1542022

#1062023

West Virginia (WV)

#1892021

#1982022

#1852023

Montana (MT)

#1562021

#1202022

#1212023

Vermont (VT)

#902017

#1102019

#932022

Delaware (DE)

#1612021

#2212022

#1432023

New Mexico (NM)

#2712018

#2722020

#3882021

Wyoming (WY)

#1142015

#1162016

#942019

Alaska (AK)

#1752013

#2052016

#1592023

Hawaii (HI)

#3002014

#2072020

Popularity Rankings for Graham in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Australia (NSW)

Australia (NSW)

#981977

#961978

#1001979

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand

#2531993

#2571994

#3341995

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland

#2642004

#3292009

#3872010

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland

#4342012

#4342013

#3892015

Popularity in Canada

Canada

#4102021

#5632022

#4472023

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland

#5412016

#6352018

#7702023

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales

#7102002

#6952003

#9542005

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada

#7392016

#9782019

#9802021

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Graham a Name for Boys or Girls?

Graham is seen as a boy’s name, commonly associated with a strong, dependable personality. Its traditional use in Scottish and English heritage solidifies its identity as a name for boys.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Graham

Grahame
Graeham
Graeme
Ghramm
Greame

Gram
Grammy
Gray
Grimmy
Hammy

Gam
Gray
Ham
Hammie
GG

Arturo
Meaning: Son of Brice
Origin: EnglishBryson
Meaning: Universal, whole, truth
Origin: German, EnglishEmmett
Giles
Hendrix
Kellan
Maxwell
Meaning: Young warrior, noble, well-born
Origin: WelshOwen
Quincy

Graham in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

Graham Greene (Author, 1904–1991): An English novelist regarded as one of the greatest writers of the 20th century.
Graham Chapman (Comedian, 1941–1989): A British comedian, writer, and actor, known for being a member of the Monty Python comedy troupe.
Graham Norton (TV Host, born 1963): An Irish television and radio presenter, comedian, and actor known for "The Graham Norton Show."
Graham Nash (Musician, born 1942): A British-American singer-songwriter known for his work with The Hollies and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.
Graham Hill (Racing Driver, 1929–1975): A British racing driver and two-time Formula One World Champion.
Graham Taylor (Football Manager, 1944–2017): An English football manager and former player, best known for managing the England national team.
Graham Phillips (Actor, born 1993): An American actor known for his roles in "The Good Wife" and "Riverdale."
Graham McTavish (Actor, born 1961): A Scottish actor known for his roles in "Outlander" and "The Hobbit" trilogy.

Graham Hess ("Signs," 2002 Film): A former priest who discovers mysterious crop circles on his farm and faces an alien invasion.
"Graham Norton Show" (2007 TV Series): A British comedy chat show hosted by Graham Norton, featuring celebrity interviews and humorous segments.
Graham Aker ("Mobile Suit Gundam 00," 2007 Anime Series): A skilled pilot who becomes an antagonist due to his obsession with defeating the protagonist.
Graham Boone ("Private Practice," 2007 TV Series): A recurring character who is a love interest and patient at the Seaside Health and Wellness clinic.
"Graham Cracker" (2010 Song by Melanie Martinez): A song about youthful innocence and nostalgia.
Graham ("About a Boy," 2014 TV Series): A character who plays a pivotal role in the development of the main character, Will.
Graham ("Hannibal," 2013 TV Series): A special investigator with a unique ability to empathize with psychopaths, helping to solve gruesome crimes.
Graham Williams ("The Holiday," 2006 Film): A book editor who falls in love while staying at a holiday cottage in England.
Graham Specter ("Baccano!," 2007 Anime Series): A quirky and eccentric mechanic with a passion for destroying things.
Graham Coxon ("Blur," 1988 Music Band): The lead guitarist of the British rock band Blur, known for their significant influence on the Britpop movement.

Graham City (Texas, USA): A city in Young County known for its historic downtown and annual events like the Food Truck Championship of Texas.
Graham Park (Pennsylvania, USA): A public park in Cranberry Township known for its sports facilities and walking trails.
Graham River (British Columbia, Canada): A river in northeastern British Columbia, known for its pristine wilderness and fishing opportunities.
Graham Island (Nunavut, Canada): An island in the Arctic Archipelago, known for its remote location and unique wildlife.
Graham Lake (Maine, USA): A large lake in Hancock County known for its recreational activities like boating and fishing.
Graham County (North Carolina, USA): A county in western North Carolina known for its mountainous terrain and outdoor recreation.
Graham Cave State Park (Missouri, USA): A state park featuring a prehistoric cave with historical significance and hiking trails.
Grahamstown (Eastern Cape, South Africa): A city known for its annual National Arts Festival and historical architecture.
Graham Pass (California, USA): A mountain pass in the Colorado Desert known for its scenic views and off-road trails.
Graham Street (Hong Kong, China): A historic street market in Central known for its vibrant atmosphere and variety of goods.

Graeme
Grant
Gray
Grady
Griffin
Greg
Garrison
Grantham
Granger
Gardner

Mario
Gram
Cadell
Marco
Graeme
Grahem
Cadda
Martinek
Martin
Martino

Sibling Names for Graham

For a Brother
For a Sister

Parents Who Like the Name Graham Also Like

What an adventure discovering Graham! If this name has caught your interest, please like, share with your friends, and comment below – I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Helen Doanna

Editor in Chief, Educational Specialist, and Senior Content Creator

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Child Development Specialist, Child-care Coordinator, Family Support Specialist, Content Writer, Communications Specialist, Educational Consultant, STEAM Teacher

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1. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Literature and Journalism
Focus: In-depth knowledge of Literature, knowledge and skills to perceive, create literature or work in related fields; Basic knowledge of communications.

2. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Program: Bachelor’s degree in Education Faculty
Focus: Core knowledge of social sciences and humanities – the root for the development of progressive values of education, Multicultural communication in education, Contemporary education in the context of globalization, Learning in the digital technology era, Basic issues of STEAM education, Classroom Management, Special education.

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Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Human Development and Family Sciences – Child Development
Focus: Different stages of development, from infancy to adulthood; Develop a strong foundation for a career in early childhood programs or classrooms; Learn strategies for supporting young children’s development in early childhood settings.

Helen is an experienced educational specialist and content creator, known for her innovative approach to children’s learning. With a background in literature and child development, she composes engaging educational content for SimpleKids.net. Her work emphasizes creativity, engagement, and simplicity, aiming to make learning enjoyable and accessible for children and their families.

Graham Name Meaning