A 1890s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Granville since 1880
Babies named Granville per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1918, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Granville's real moment was 1895.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 219 |
| 1890s | 216 |
| 1900s | 226 |
| 1910s | 856 |
| 1920s | 1,189 |
| 1930s | 783 |
| 1940s | 671 |
| 1950s | 490 |
| 1960s | 314 |
| 1970s | 214 |
| 1980s | 134 |
| 1990s | 82 |
| 2000s | 57 |
| 2010s | 34 |
| 2020s | 16 |
Meaning & origin
Granville is a vintage English surname-turned-first name that saw its greatest popularity in the 1890s, peaking in 1895. After falling out of common use for decades, it has shown a modest revival since 2022, reflecting a broader trend toward Victorian-era names. In 2025, it was given to roughly 1 in every 341,615 babies, placing it at rank 12,008. While most parents today would consider it an unusual choice, its revival trajectory suggests it is being rediscovered by those seeking distinctive, old-fashioned names with a scholarly, stately air. The name's association with English place names and its historical usage give it a grounded, traditional feel without being overly common.
Granville originates as an English surname and place name, from Old English 'græne' meaning 'green' and 'feld' meaning 'field', though it was later associated with Norman French 'gran' (large) + 'ville' (settlement). The name was brought to England after the Norman Conquest and established as a surname before being adopted as a given name in the 19th century.
Where Granville 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: Grant, Granny
Variants: Granvil
Sibling names for Granville
Names that share Granville's style, for a brother or sister.
