Gradyn first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Gradyn has been for the last 26 years (from 1999 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Gradyn

A masculine given name with Welsh or Cornish origins, derived from "grad" meaning "degree" or "step".

Popularity of Gradyn by gender

Based on the last 26 years of data, Gradyn is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Gradyn.

Year Male Count Female Count
2024 6 0
2020 6 0
2018 8 0
2017 11 0
2016 17 0
2015 17 0
2014 17 0
2013 22 0
2012 14 0
2011 18 0
2010 14 0
2009 24 0
2008 22 0
2007 17 0
2006 12 0
2005 8 0
2004 5 0
2002 6 0
1999 6 0

The history of the first name Gradyn

The given name Gradyn has its roots in the ancient Celtic languages of the British Isles. It is believed to have originated from the Old Welsh word "gradd", which means "rank" or "degree". The name first gained popularity in the early medieval period, particularly among the Welsh nobility and ruling classes.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Gradyn can be found in the Welsh Triads, a collection of medieval literature compiled in the 13th century. The Triads mention a legendary figure named Gradyn Vrenhin, who is described as a wise and influential ruler from the kingdom of Gwynedd in the 6th century.

In the 9th century, a notable bearer of the name was Gradyn ap Rhodri, a Welsh prince and heir to the Kingdom of Powys. He played a crucial role in the consolidation of power in the region and is mentioned in several contemporary chronicles and genealogical records.

During the Norman conquest of England in the 11th century, a Welsh nobleman named Gradyn ap Owain fought alongside the Welsh forces against the Norman invaders. His name is recorded in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, an important historical document from that era.

In the 12th century, a renowned Welsh poet and bard named Gradyn Fychan gained recognition for his contributions to the Welsh literary tradition. His works, which included poems and songs, were widely celebrated and preserved in medieval Welsh manuscripts.

Another notable figure was Gradyn ap Rhys, a Welsh landowner and nobleman who lived in the late 13th century. He was a prominent figure in the Marcher Lordships, the semi-autonomous territories along the Welsh-English border, and his name appears in various legal and administrative records from that period.

Throughout the centuries, the name Gradyn has continued to be used, albeit with varying degrees of popularity, among Welsh families and communities. While it may not be as common today as it once was, the name remains a part of the rich cultural heritage and history of Wales.

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 Gradyn was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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"Gradyn first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on July 16, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/gradyn-meaning-and-history/.

"Gradyn first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/gradyn-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 16 July, 2025

Gradyn first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/gradyn-meaning-and-history/.

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