Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Grady
BoyIrish· “noble, illustrious”
- Meaning
- noble, illustrious
- Origin
- Irish
- Pronunciation
- GRAY-dee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #373
- US babies 2025
- 851
- Best rank
- #180 (1911)
- Peak year
- 2008
Meaning and origin of Grady
Grady is an Irish name that is usually said to mean “noble, illustrious”.
Grady comes from the Irish surname Ó Grádaigh, descendant of Grádach. The personal name Grádach is usually connected with an Irish word meaning noble or illustrious. The surname was carried to America by Irish emigrants, and Grady later became a relaxed, friendly first name for boys. It has a warm Southern and Irish-American feel and fits alongside names like Brady, Cody and Sawyer. Grady is short and easy to spell, and it works well with a traditional middle name for balance.
Popularity over time
Grady first appears in US Social Security records in 1887. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 139 different years, starting in 1887. Its best national rank was #180 in 1911, and the most babies received it in 2008, when 1,196 were named Grady. In 2025, 851 babies were named Grady, and it ranked #373 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #215 in 1920, #330 in 1950, #735 in 1980, #746 in 2000, #314 in 2010, and #373 in 2025. Of the 52,474 US boys named Grady since records began, 18% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 5,892 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Rodrigo, Joaquin, Jonas, Aaden, and Angelo.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Grady ranked highest in West Virginia, Maine, and Tennessee.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | #134 | 15 |
| Maine | #162 | 8 |
| Tennessee | #204 | 45 |
| Montana | #209 | 6 |
| Ohio | #214 | 61 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 99% of US babies named Grady over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Grady is usually pronounced GRAY-dee, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with G and ends in “-dy”.
Middle names for Grady
A few middle names that flow with Grady: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Grady
Similar names
Brody Boy
BROH-dee
“from a Scottish and Irish surname” · Scottish
#236
Brady Boy
BRAY-dee
“uncertain; from an Irish surname” · Irish
#321
Cody Boy
KOH-dee
“from an Irish surname” · Irish
#318
Andy Boy
AN-dee
“short for Andrew, manly” · English
#565
Connor Boy
KAH-nur
“lover of hounds” · Irish
#166
Brayden Boy
BRAY-duhn
“modern form of Braden; salmon” · Irish
#229
Ayden Boy
AY-dihn
“little fire” · American (modern coinage)
#257
Kayden Boy
KAY-dihn
“modern coinage related to Caden” · American (modern coinage)
#135
Aidan Boy
AY-dihn
“little fire” · Irish
#326
Bryan Boy
BRY-uhn
“possibly high or noble” · Irish
#336
Declan Boy
DEHK-luhn
“uncertain; often said full of goodness” · Irish
#139
Caden Boy
KAY-dihn
“modern name; possibly from an Irish surname” · American (modern coinage)
#201
Lists that include Grady
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Grady mean?
Grady is an Irish name that is usually said to mean “noble, illustrious”.
What is the origin of the name Grady?
Grady has Irish roots. Grady comes from the Irish surname Ó Grádaigh, descendant of Grádach.
Is Grady a popular name?
Yes. Grady ranked #373 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Grady a boy or girl name?
Grady is mainly a boy's name. About 99% of US babies named Grady over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Grady?
Grady is usually pronounced GRAY-dee. 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