Find out how popular the first name Grit has been for the last 3 years (from 2021 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Grit by gender

Based on the last 3 years of data, Grit 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 Grit.

The history of the first name Grit

The name Grit is derived from the Old English word "greot," which means "bran" or "coarse ground grain." It was originally used as a nickname or descriptive term for someone who appeared rough or coarse, possibly relating to their physical appearance or personality traits.

In the early Middle Ages, the name Grit began to be used as a given name, particularly in parts of England and Germanic regions. It was a popular name among the Anglo-Saxon and Viking communities, where strength and resilience were highly valued traits.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Grit can be found in the Domesday Book, a medieval census commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The entry mentions a landowner named Grit in the county of Lincolnshire, England.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Grit. One of the most famous was Grit Napp (c. 1280 - 1345), a German mercenary and military leader who fought in various conflicts across Europe during the 14th century.

Another prominent figure was Grit Heydrich (1901 - 1944), a German naval officer and U-boat commander during World War II. He was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross for his service and bravery in combat.

In the realm of literature, Grit Hjelm (1923 - 2001) was a Swedish author and poet known for her works exploring themes of love, nature, and the human condition.

The name Grit has also been used in religious contexts. Grit Schöne (1491 - 1558) was a German nun and abbess who played a significant role in the Protestant Reformation, advocating for reforms within the Catholic Church.

In more recent times, Grit Jurgens (1932 - 2015) was a German actress and singer who achieved international fame for her roles in films and television shows during the 1950s and 1960s.

While the name Grit has fallen out of widespread use in modern times, it remains a unique and distinctive name with a rich historical background, reflecting the qualities of strength, resilience, and perseverance.

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

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

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