Declining since 2022, #7,679 for boys today.
Popularity of Grainger since 1999
Babies named Grainger per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 6 |
| 2000s | 5 |
| 2010s | 74 |
| 2020s | 77 |
Meaning & origin
Grainger is a modern American given name that began appearing in U.S. birth records in 1999, ranking 7,679th in 2025 with an incidence of 1 in 170,808 births. It reached its peak popularity in 2023, but since 2022 it has been gradually falling in use. The name derives from the English surname Grainger, itself a locational name from Grainsby, Lincolnshire, rooted in Old Norse. Although still uncommon, Grainger fits a trend of occupational and surname-inspired first names, reminiscent of names like Porter and Carter. Its relatively recent emergence as a first name and low but steady usage suggest it appeals to parents seeking a distinctive yet familiar-sounding name.
Grainger originates as an English surname derived from the place name Grainsby in Lincolnshire, itself from the Old Norse personal name Grein combined with býr, meaning 'farm' or 'settlement'. The surname historically denoted someone who lived or worked at that location. Its use as a given name is modern, emerging in the late 20th century in the United States.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Grange, Gray
Variants: Granger
Sibling names for Grainger
Names that share Grainger's style, for a brother or sister.
