A 1910s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Grady since 1887
Babies named Grady per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2008, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Grady's real moment was 1911.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 49 |
| 1890s | 450 |
| 1900s | 753 |
| 1910s | 4,026 |
| 1920s | 5,619 |
| 1930s | 4,738 |
| 1940s | 4,568 |
| 1950s | 4,014 |
| 1960s | 2,929 |
| 1970s | 2,132 |
| 1980s | 1,477 |
| 1990s | 1,784 |
| 2000s | 5,892 |
| 2010s | 9,216 |
| 2020s | 4,827 |
Meaning & origin
Grady is a classic Irish surname-turned-first-name that has seen a steady revival in recent decades. First recorded in 1887, it peaked in 1911 and then declined, but since 1985 it has been climbing again. In 2025, Grady ranked 373rd, given to about 1 in 2,007 boys, showing renewed appeal reminiscent of its early 20th-century popularity. The name is most common in West Virginia, Maine, and Montana, reflecting a strong regional tie to areas with Irish heritage. Its straightforward spelling and friendly sound make it a solid choice for parents seeking an Irish name that is neither rare nor overused.
Grady is an anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Gráda, meaning 'descendant of Gráda'. The personal name Gráda derives from the Irish word 'gráda', meaning 'noble' or 'illustrious'. The Grady family was a prominent sept in County Clare, Ireland, with a history dating back to the 11th century. As a given name, Grady gained use in the United States in the late 19th century, partly influenced by the popularity of Irish surnames as first names.
Where Grady 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: Gray
Sibling names for Grady
Names that share Grady's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Grady
Names whose popularity has moved with Grady's over the last 50 years.
