Declining since 2021, #1,014 for boys today.
Popularity of Grey since 1913
Babies named Grey per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1910s | 0 | 30 |
| 1920s | 0 | 55 |
| 1930s | 0 | 39 |
| 1940s | 0 | 66 |
| 1950s | 0 | 102 |
| 1960s | 0 | 140 |
| 1970s | 0 | 121 |
| 1980s | 0 | 166 |
| 1990s | 39 | 406 |
| 2000s | 104 | 755 |
| 2010s | 568 | 2,405 |
| 2020s | 341 | 1,771 |
Meaning & origin
Grey entered the U.S. baby name charts in 1913, but remained rare for decades. It saw a sharp rise beginning in the 2010s, peaking in popularity in 2021. Since then, its usage has been falling, though it remains a modern favorite. In 2025, approximately 1 in 7,694 boys received the name. Top states for Grey include Utah, Ohio, and Indiana. The name fits a broader trend of color names and simple, word-based names that feel fresh and contemporary.
Grey is a modern adoption of the English word for the color, derived from Old English grǣg. It emerged as a given name in the early 20th century, likely influenced by surnames such as Grey (e.g., Lady Jane Grey). Its use as a first name increased notably in the 2010s and 2020s, following the trend of color names and short, single-syllable names.
Where Grey 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
Variants: Gray
Sibling names for Grey
Names that share Grey's style, for a brother or sister.
