The name Graydon is an English given name derived from the Old English words "græg" meaning "gray" and "dun" meaning "hill" or "down". It is believed to have originated as a surname in the Middle Ages, referring to someone who lived near a gray hill or in a village with a similar name.

The earliest recorded use of Graydon as a first name dates back to the 16th century in England. One of the earliest known individuals with this name was Graydon Bright, an English merchant and explorer who lived in the late 1500s and is known for his travels to the Americas.

In the 17th century, Graydon Bunbury was a notable English politician and member of parliament who served during the reign of King Charles II. He was born in 1632 and played a role in the Restoration of the English monarchy after the English Civil War.

Another historical figure with the name Graydon was Graydon Bonar, a Scottish Presbyterian minister and religious leader who lived from 1696 to 1762. He was known for his influential sermons and writings on theology.

In the 18th century, Graydon Hepworth was a British artist and engraver who was born in 1744 and is renowned for his intricate copperplate engravings and illustrations.

During the 19th century, Graydon Chalmers was a prominent American lawyer and judge who served as a justice on the Supreme Court of Mississippi from 1868 to 1875. He played a significant role in shaping legal precedents in the aftermath of the American Civil War.

While not a common name throughout history, Graydon has been carried by notable individuals across various fields, reflecting its enduring presence as an English given name with roots in the medieval era.