Declining since 1985, #1,644 for boys today.
Popularity of Craig since 1881
Babies named Craig per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1960, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Craig's real moment was 1970.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 17 |
| 1890s | 30 |
| 1900s | 78 |
| 1910s | 454 |
| 1920s | 907 |
| 1930s | 1,946 |
| 1940s | 20,289 |
| 1950s | 69,481 |
| 1960s | 84,712 |
| 1970s | 58,787 |
| 1980s | 38,095 |
| 1990s | 16,105 |
| 2000s | 5,543 |
| 2010s | 2,472 |
| 2020s | 700 |
Meaning & origin
Craig is a Scottish and Welsh name meaning 'rock' or 'crag', originally a surname referring to someone who lived near a rocky outcrop. It entered the U.S. popularity charts in the late 19th century and saw its peak in 1970, when it was the 125th most popular name for boys. Since then, its usage has steadily declined; in 2025, it ranked 1,644th with approximately 1 in 16,746 boys receiving the name. The name has been most common in states like Louisiana, Georgia, and New Jersey, reflecting its enduring appeal in regions with strong Scottish and Welsh heritage.
Craig derives from the Scottish Gaelic word 'creag' meaning 'rock' or 'crag', and was originally a surname given to someone who lived near a prominent rock formation. It came into use as a given name in the 19th century, particularly in Scotland and among the Scottish diaspora. The name also has Welsh associations via the similar word 'craig'.
Where Craig is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Craigy
Sibling names for Craig
Names that share Craig's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Heather, Fiona, Bridget, Megan, Leslie, Brenda, Corrine, Kandis, Crista, Karlene, Lezlie, Loni, Bretta, Chera, Cherice, Danice, Janese, Lauree, Linzi, Lizanne, Lorre, Malynda, Shalene, Sherra, Trenda, Candus, Charee, Janeal, Jillaine, Keitha, Lesle, Sherisse, Chauna, Deardra
Brothers: Keith, Duncan, Ross, Neil, Gordon, Allen, Brent, Glen, Jeffrey, Scott, Curt, Gregg, Kirk, Dyan, Kieth, Torrence, Burns, Erskin, Kreg, Lyndal, Cleland, Jermie, Traves, Carols, Jerame
Names like Craig
Names whose popularity has moved with Craig's over the last 50 years.
