Declining since 1987.
Popularity of Kraig since 1939
Babies named Kraig per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1930s | 7 |
| 1940s | 132 |
| 1950s | 707 |
| 1960s | 1,845 |
| 1970s | 1,245 |
| 1980s | 1,060 |
| 1990s | 679 |
| 2000s | 200 |
| 2010s | 70 |
| 2020s | 6 |
Meaning & origin
Kraig is a spelling variant of Craig, which itself comes from the Scottish Gaelic word 'creag' meaning 'rock' or 'rocky hill'. While Craig has been a popular given name, especially in Scotland and the United States, Kraig emerged as an alternative spelling that saw modest use in the mid-20th century. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1939, a time when creative respellings of established names were gaining popularity. Kraig's highest rank was in 1968, when it reached a peak at position 1704. Since 1987, its usage has been declining, and as of the latest data, it ranks outside the top 10,000 names. Kraig is not strongly associated with any particular region or culture, and its use is mainly American. The name's trajectory reflects a broader trend of parents once favoring unique spellings, a trend that has since waned.
Kraig is chiefly a spelling variant of Craig, which is a Scottish surname derived from the Gaelic word 'creag' meaning 'rock' or 'rocky hill'. As a given name, Craig became popular in the 20th century. Kraig emerged as an alternate spelling, likely influenced by the preference for unique spellings in the mid-20th century. The name has primarily been used in the United States, with its peak of popularity in the 1960s.
Where Kraig 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: Kray, K
Sibling names for Kraig
Names that share Kraig's style, for a brother or sister.
