Holding steady.
Popularity of Grayling since 1950
Babies named Grayling per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 327 |
| 1960s | 120 |
| 1970s | 12 |
| 1980s | 53 |
| 1990s | 17 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Grayling is a rare and distinctive name, first recorded in U.S. Social Security data in 1950. Its peak usage occurred in 1959, but it has never achieved widespread popularity, failing to rank in the top 1000 names in any year. The trajectory of its usage has remained stable, with very few annual births. The name's unusual quality and lack of top state data further underscore its rarity. Grayling's origins are uncertain, possibly stemming from an English surname or the fish of the same name, adding an element of natural history to its appeal. For parents seeking an uncommon name with a soft, lyrical sound, Grayling presents a unique option that avoids common naming trends.
The name Grayling is believed to be a transferred use of a surname, which itself may come from a place name or from the common name of the Thymallus thymallus fish, known as the grayling. It entered use as a given name in the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1950s, but remains rare.
Sibling names for Grayling
Names that share Grayling's style, for a brother or sister.
