Find out how popular the first name Grim has been for the last 7 years (from 2017 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Grim by gender

Based on the last 7 years of data, Grim is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Grim.

The history of the first name Grim

The name Grim originated from the Old English word "grim," which means "fierce" or "terrifying." This name has its roots in the Anglo-Saxon culture and can be traced back to the 5th century AD during the migration of Germanic tribes to the British Isles.

The name Grim is believed to have been used as a nickname or a descriptive name for individuals who possessed a stern or formidable demeanor. It was common practice among Anglo-Saxons to give names that reflected personal characteristics or physical attributes.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Grim can be found in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, an important historical record dating back to the 9th century. The chronicle mentions a man named Grim who was a prominent figure during the reign of King Alfred the Great (849-899 AD).

In Norse mythology, the name Grim is associated with the god Odin, who was sometimes referred to as "Grimr" or "Grimnir," meaning "the hooded one" or "the masked one." This connection suggests that the name may have held a significant meaning related to wisdom, knowledge, and mysticism.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Grim. One example is Grim Lodbroksson (c. 805-841 AD), a legendary Viking who was known for his bravery and ferocity in battle. Another is Grim Tonitrui (c. 995-1072 AD), a Benedictine monk and writer from England who composed the first known biography of King Edward the Confessor.

In the 12th century, Grim the Flemish (c. 1130-1195 AD) was a renowned architect and builder who played a crucial role in the construction of several important churches and cathedrals in England, including the choir of Canterbury Cathedral.

During the Renaissance period, Grim Camertensis (c. 1460-1540 AD) was an Italian humanist scholar and poet who gained recognition for his Latin poetry and translations of ancient Greek works.

In the realm of literature, the name Grim is associated with the Brothers Grimm, Jacob (1785-1863 AD) and Wilhelm (1786-1859 AD), who were German academics and authors famous for their collection of folk tales and fairy stories, such as "Cinderella," "Hansel and Gretel," and "Snow White."

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

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

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