Rising since 1998, #5,917 for girls today.
Popularity of Grier since 1916
Babies named Grier per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1910s | 0 | 18 |
| 1920s | 0 | 56 |
| 1930s | 0 | 12 |
| 1940s | 0 | 18 |
| 1950s | 0 | 28 |
| 1960s | 0 | 5 |
| 1970s | 0 | 24 |
| 1980s | 5 | 10 |
| 1990s | 5 | 17 |
| 2000s | 133 | 31 |
| 2010s | 172 | 73 |
| 2020s | 109 | 40 |
Meaning & origin
Grier first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1989, a relatively recent addition to the American naming landscape. The name's trajectory shows a steady rise in usage since 1998, though it remains uncommon, ranking 5,917th as of 2025 with roughly 1 in 80,363 newborns receiving the name. Its peak popularity occurred in 2009, after which its frequency has seen modest fluctuations. While top states for the name are not listed in the available data, the name's surname style resonates with modern parents seeking a distinctive yet familiar choice. As a unisex name, Grier has been embraced by families looking for a gender-neutral option, reflecting broader trends in naming conventions.
Grier is an Anglicized form of the Irish surname Mac Grioghair, meaning 'son of Griogair', which itself is a Gaelic form of Gregory. Gregory comes from the Greek Gregorios, meaning 'watchful' or 'vigilant'. In Scotland, the surname Grier is also associated with the Clan MacGregor, whose name shares a similar derivation. As a given name, Grier emerged in the late 20th century, likely as a surname transfer, and has been used for both boys and girls since its first U.S. recording in 1989.
Sibling names for Grier
Names that share Grier's style, for a brother or sister.
