Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Graham
BoyScottish, English· “from the English place Grantham”
- Meaning
- from the English place Grantham
- Origin
- Scottish, English
- Pronunciation
- GRAY-uhm
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #120
- US babies 2025
- 2,967
- Best rank
- #120 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Graham
Graham is a Scottish and English name that is usually said to mean “from the English place Grantham”.
Graham is a Scottish surname that came from the English town of Grantham in Lincolnshire. It was carried to Scotland in the twelfth century by a Norman family, the de Grahams, who became one of the leading Scottish noble families. The place name is usually explained from the Old English ham, "homestead," with a first element that may mean "gravel" or a personal name. As a first name, Graham has a polished, gentle sound and a slightly literary flavor. Alexander Graham Bell is a famous bearer. In the United States it is often said GRAY-um, and in Britain closer to GRAM.
Popularity over time
Graham first appears in US Social Security records in 1881. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 141 different years, starting in 1881. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #120, and its highest count, 2,967 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #606 in 1920, #697 in 1950, #385 in 1980, #405 in 2000, #284 in 2010, and #120 in 2025. Of the 61,436 US boys named Graham since records began, 31% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 15,179 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Callum, Lorenzo, Stetson, Matteo, and Beckett.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Graham ranked highest in South Dakota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | #33 | 24 |
| North Dakota | #38 | 21 |
| Wisconsin | #43 | 105 |
| District of Columbia | #44 | 16 |
| Ohio | #52 | 203 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Graham is usually pronounced GRAY-uhm, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with G and ends in “-am”.
Middle names for Graham
A few middle names that flow with Graham: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Graham
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Lists that include Graham
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Graham mean?
Graham is a Scottish and English name that is usually said to mean “from the English place Grantham”.
What is the origin of the name Graham?
Graham has Scottish and English roots. Graham is a Scottish surname that came from the English town of Grantham in Lincolnshire.
Is Graham a popular name?
Yes. Graham ranked #120 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Graham a boy or girl name?
Graham is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Graham?
Graham is usually pronounced GRAY-uhm. 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