Rising since 1988, #120 for boys today.
Popularity of Graham since 1881
Babies named Graham per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 61 |
| 1890s | 79 |
| 1900s | 126 |
| 1910s | 700 |
| 1920s | 1,062 |
| 1930s | 1,036 |
| 1940s | 963 |
| 1950s | 971 |
| 1960s | 1,094 |
| 1970s | 2,330 |
| 1980s | 4,958 |
| 1990s | 6,006 |
| 2000s | 7,623 |
| 2010s | 19,248 |
| 2020s | 15,179 |
Meaning & origin
Graham has been in consistent use as a given name since the late 19th century, first recorded in U.S. data in 1881. It has seen a steady rise in popularity since 1988, reaching its peak rank of 120 in 2025, when 1 in 576 boys received the name. Geographically, Graham is most popular in Washington D.C., North Dakota, and South Dakota, reflecting a preference in the upper Midwest and capital region. The name's strong Scottish heritage and crisp, two-syllable sound make it a favorite among parents seeking a classic yet understated choice. Its trajectory suggests continued growth, maintaining its appeal across generations.
Graham is a Scottish surname derived from the place name Grantham in Lincolnshire, England. The name itself likely comes from Old English elements meaning 'gravelly homestead' or 'gravelly village'. It gained popularity as a given name in the 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries. The name is associated with the historic Clan Graham in Scotland.
Where Graham 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.
“Graham” around the world
Where Graham lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Gray, Ham
Sibling names for Graham
Names that share Graham's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Emma, Claire, Rose, Maya, Alice, Leslie, Blakely, Blythe, Clarke, Collins, Henley, Landry, Maelyn, Mccall, Meredith, Sutton, Adalee, Adleigh, Carrington, Charis, Claribel, Cozette, Delaine, Halston, Hollyn, Kensington, Kirstyn, Lezlie, Linley, Sinclair, Ainsleigh, Amery, Annsley, Avaleigh, Aynsley, Clairissa, Ellory, Embree, Emree, Glenis, Griselle, Janeane, Landrey, Linzi, Lyanne, Maebry, Maeven, Raney, Tatem, Addalee, Addley, Ader, Audrinna, Carlise, Hartlyn, Jenavie, Leannah, Lorel, Maybree, Rosslyn, Sinclaire, Witney, Addalyne, Adelee, Anzley, Baxley, Cambre, Dalyce, Enslie, Eslie, Evelette, Hatley, Jernie, Laurelyn, Maclaine, Maitland, Quinette, Sayward, Wrynn
Brothers: James, Henry, Owen, Lucas, Ethan, Bennett, Benson, Boyd, Forrest, Hollis, Lyle, Malcolm, Silas, Barron, Beckett, Britton, Carlton, Cort, Edison, Everette, Harlan, Hayes, Hilton, Kendrick, Marice, Merrick, Montgomery, Pierce, Shepard, Stanton, Sterling, Tillman, Watson, Wells, Allister, Alston, Carleton, Carlisle, Clive, Colston, Corin, Cortland, Creighton, Elgin, Heston, Kieth, Lorne, Niles, Noland, Slater, Stafford, Torrance, Townes, Truitt, Waylan, Westen, Aidric, Baird, Blanchard, Briston, Broadus, Calloway, Caston, Cheston, Claiborne, Declyn, Dillin, Gergory, Gordan, Heith, Holten, Holton, Hughes, Hutson, Hutton, Irvine, Jerman, Kedric, Kelso, Kenric, Kincaid, Knoxx, Lamond, Lelan, Louden, Lowry, Markham, Maxfield, Nygel, Owens, Parry, Ramzy, Redmond, Rendell, Renner, Renwick, Roark, Rollins, Sandford, Stiles, Stirling, Taggart, Tait, Toddrick, Trigg, Whitten, Witten, Ashdon, Bexton, Brynden, Casten, Chasten, Coburn, Colyn, Crosley, Deckard, Durham, Fitzroy, Gared, Garrette, Grayling, Jamesen, Juddson, Kannen, Mayford, Mccrae, Ramsay, Rawlin, Rigdon, Ryot, Stokes, Tipton, Tison, Warrick, Westlee, Wylan, Belmont, Brogen, Grantley, Aldyn, Bingham, Brenner, Breyer, Brodric, Bronsen, Broox, Cadel, Calden, Chamberlain, Chantry, Etheridge, Gardiner, Geral, Geron, Graves, Gresham, Haston, Koehn, Koleman, Lister, Loudon, Lyall, Mays, Merdith, Statler, Staton, Stclair, Teagon, Vanden, Weiland, Weyland, Wyler
Names like Graham
Names whose popularity has moved with Graham's over the last 50 years.
