Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Craig
BoyScottish· “rock, crag”
- Meaning
- rock, crag
- Origin
- Scottish
- Pronunciation
- KRAYG
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #1,644
- US babies 2025
- 102
- Best rank
- #39 (1969)
- Peak year
- 1960
Meaning and origin of Craig
Craig is a Scottish name that means “rock, crag”.
Craig comes from the Scottish Gaelic creag, meaning rock or crag. It began as a Scottish surname for someone who lived near a rocky outcrop or cliff and later became a common first name throughout the English-speaking world. Craig was especially popular in the mid- to late twentieth century, and it still has a sturdy, dependable image. The name is a single strong syllable that reflects the rugged Scottish landscape. Actor Daniel Craig, who played James Bond, carries it as a surname.
Popularity over time
Craig first appears in US Social Security records in 1881. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 117 different years, starting in 1881. Its best national rank was #39 in 1969, and the most babies received it in 1960, when 10,724 were named Craig. In 2025, 102 babies were named Craig, and it ranked #1,644 nationally. That is 57% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #746 in 1920, #69 in 1950, #73 in 1980, #340 in 2000, #664 in 2010, and #1,644 in 2025. Of the 299,616 US boys named Craig since records began, 28% were born in the 1960s, its biggest decade. The 1950s come next, with 69,481 babies. Since 2010, 3,172 more have been named Craig.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Steve, Jeff, Mike, Tony, and Russell.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Craig ranked highest in Louisiana, New Jersey, and Georgia.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | #802 | 5 |
| New Jersey | #1054 | 5 |
| Georgia | #1124 | 7 |
| Florida | #1378 | 8 |
| California | #1861 | 8 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Craig is usually pronounced KRAYG, with one syllable. It has five letters, starts with C and ends in “-ig”.
Middle names for Craig
A few middle names that flow with Craig: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Craig
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Lists that include Craig
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Craig mean?
Craig is a Scottish name that means “rock, crag”.
What is the origin of the name Craig?
Craig has Scottish roots. Craig comes from the Scottish Gaelic creag, meaning rock or crag.
Is Craig a popular name?
Not especially. Craig ranked #1,644 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Craig a boy or girl name?
Craig is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Craig?
Craig is usually pronounced KRAYG. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings