Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Graham

Graham is a name that has long been associated with the Scots, when in reality it has Anglo-Saxon roots. Graham developed as a surname in England, derived from a location name, specifically Grantham in Lincolnshire (incidentally Margaret Thatcher’s birthplace). The word comes from the Olde English elements “grand” meaning ‘gravel’ and “ham” meaning ‘homestead’. The surname dates back to the 11th century and was taken to Scotland by the 12th century. Almost all people with the last name Graham are descended from the Norman baron William de Graham, holder of the manor in Lincolnshire. The Scottish clan motto is “Ne oublie” (‘don’t forget’). There is also a Scottish legend that Gram (or Gramus) was a Caledonian warrior who fought against the Romans and penetrated the Antoine Wall across the central belt of Scotland (an area now known as Graham’s Dyke).

All About the Baby Name – Graham

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME GRAHAM

The Three energy is powerful and enthusiastic. These personalities are cheerful, full of self-expression, and often quite emotional. They have an artistic flair and "gift-of-gab" that makes them natural entertainers. Their joyfulness bubbles over, and their infectious exuberance draws a crowd. The Three personality is like a child - forever young and full of delight. They are charming, witty, and generally happy people. The Three personality lives in the "now" and has a spontaneous nature. Threes seem to live with a bright and seemingly unbreakable aura that attracts others to them. In turn, they are deeply loyal and loving to their friends and family. Luck also has a tendency to favor number Threes.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME GRAHAM

While Graham has maintained a spot on the U.S. popularity charts for over 100 years, his usage has been low to moderate at best. In fact, the name is experiencing the height of his success right now (which is still only moderate). Nonetheless, as you can see from the graph below, Graham is showing upwards momentum. Like Nigel, Simon or Evan, Graham has a very English sound to it. Many people associate this name with the Scots, also giving him some Scottish pride. Like the Graham family motto suggests, it’s as if this name is saying, hey ‘don’t forget’ about me! Graham is a simple, one-syllable, unfussy name. His quality is more genteel than masculine. Many people think this name may be too plain or dull, but to us, it’s an absolutely handsome name!

Quick Facts

ON GRAHAM

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

1

RANKING POPULARITY:

203

PRONUNCIATION:

GRAM

SIMPLE MEANING:

Gravel homestead

Characteristics

OF GRAHAM

Communicative

Creative

Optimistic

Popular

Social

Dramatic

Happy

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Graham

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME GRAHAM

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Graham

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME GRAHAM

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Graham


Popular Songs

ON GRAHAM

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Graham


Famous People

NAMED GRAHAM

Graham Nash (musician)
Graham Greene (author)
Graham Chapman (member of Monty Python)
Graham Colton (musician)
Alexander Graham Bell (inventor of the telephone)

Children of Famous People

NAMED GRAHAM

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Graham

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME GRAHAM

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Graham