Find out how popular the first name Graig has been for the last 40 years (from 1974 to 2013) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Graig by gender

Based on the last 40 years of data, Graig is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2013, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Graig.

The history of the first name Graig

The name Graig is a variant spelling of the name Craig, which has its origins in the Gaelic languages of Scotland and Ireland. The name is derived from the Gaelic word "creag," meaning "rock" or "crag." This suggests that the name may have been initially given to individuals who lived near rocky landscapes or in mountainous regions.

In Scottish history, the name Craig is closely associated with the Clan Gregor, a Highland Scottish clan whose traditional lands were located in the rugged and mountainous regions of Perthshire and Argyllshire. The name was particularly prevalent among members of this clan, and it is believed to have been adopted as a surname by many of its members.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Graig can be found in the Annals of Ulster, an ancient Irish chronicle dating back to the 15th century. The annals mention a Scottish nobleman named "Graig mac Duibhne" who was involved in a conflict with the Irish in the year 1411.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Graig or its variant spellings. One of the most famous was Graig na Dun, a legendary Scottish warrior who is said to have defended the city of Dundee against Viking invaders in the 9th century. Although the historical accuracy of his exploits is debated, Graig na Dun has become a prominent figure in Scottish folklore.

Another notable figure was Graig MacLeod (1576-1652), a Scottish Protestant minister and theologian who played a significant role in the Scottish Reformation. He was known for his fiery sermons and his staunch opposition to the interference of the English monarchy in the affairs of the Scottish Church.

In the literary world, Graig Raine (1944-2021) was a renowned English poet and academic who was widely celebrated for his works exploring themes of nature, spirituality, and the human condition. He was the recipient of numerous prestigious literary awards, including the Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry.

In the realm of sports, Graig Stadler (born 1953) is a former professional golfer from the United States who won numerous prestigious tournaments, including the Masters in 1982. He was known for his distinctive "walrus" mustache and his affable personality on the golf course.

Finally, Graig Venter (born 1946) is an American biochemist and entrepreneur who is best known for his pioneering work in genomics and synthetic biology. He was the first person to sequence the human genome and has made significant contributions to the fields of biotechnology and genetic engineering.

While the name Graig may have evolved from its Gaelic roots, it has transcended its cultural origins and has been adopted by individuals from various backgrounds and nationalities throughout history, each leaving their own unique imprint on the world.

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

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!