Find out how popular the first name Grace has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Grace by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Grace is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Grace being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 4,886 female babies and 14 male babies born with the name Grace.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 14 baby boys were named Grace in 2023, despite it being a predominantly female name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Grace

The name Grace has its origins in the Latin word "gratia", meaning "favor" or "thanks". It was initially used as a virtue name, reflecting the concept of divine grace and the unmerited favor bestowed by God.

In ancient Rome, the name was associated with the Gratiae, the three goddesses of charm, beauty, and creativity in Roman mythology. They were often depicted as attendants to Venus, the goddess of love, and were revered for their ability to bestow grace and charm upon individuals.

The name Grace gained popularity during the Middle Ages as a Christian name, reflecting the theological concept of God's unmerited grace and favor towards humanity. It was often given to girls as a reminder of the importance of humility and gratitude for the divine blessings they received.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Grace can be found in the Bible, specifically in the New Testament. Grace is mentioned as a virtue and a gift from God, further solidifying its association with Christian beliefs and values.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Grace. One of the earliest and most famous was Grace O'Malley (c. 1530-1603), an Irish pirate queen known for her bravery and leadership skills. Another prominent figure was Grace Darling (1815-1842), a British heroine celebrated for her courage in rescuing survivors from a shipwreck off the coast of Northumberland.

In the world of literature, Grace Metalious (1924-1964) was an American author best known for her controversial novel "Peyton Place", which shed light on the darker aspects of small-town life in New England. Grace Kelly (1929-1982), an American actress and Princess of Monaco, was renowned for her elegance and style, and is remembered as one of the most iconic figures in Hollywood history.

Additionally, Grace Hopper (1906-1992) was a pioneering computer scientist and United States Navy rear admiral. She was instrumental in developing the first compiler for a computer programming language and is celebrated for her contributions to the field of computer science.

These are just a few examples of the many notable individuals throughout history who have carried the name Grace, each leaving their mark in various fields and disciplines.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Grace was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Grace, please contact us.

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