Graham

Gravelly homestead — a boy name of English, Scottish origin

GenderBoy
MeaningGravelly homestead
PronunciationGRAY-um

Popularity of Graham in the United States

#120Rank in 2025
2,967Births in 2025
#120 in 2025Peak Popularity
↑ Rising10-Year Trend

Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.

Meaning & Origin of Graham

Graham is a Scottish and English name derived from the Old English "grand" (gravel) and "ham" (homestead), referring to a gravelly or grey homestead. The name became prominent through the Scottish Clan Graham, one of the most notable clans in Scottish history. William de Graham, a 12th-century Anglo-Norman nobleman, established the family in Scotland. The name carries an air of refined, understated distinction and has been popular in the United Kingdom for decades. In the United States, Graham has gained steady traction, appreciated for its classic British charm and association with figures like Alexander Graham Bell.

Graham Around the World

Graham is used in 2 languages worldwide, with 6+ international variants.

Languages
EnglishAnglo-Norman
Details

TypeMale given name

International Variants
GraemeEnglish
GrahameScots
GreshamEnglish
IngrahamEnglish
GranthamScots
GramEnglish

Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.

Nicknames for Graham

GrayG

Famous People Named Graham

  • Alexander Graham Bell — inventor of the telephone
  • Graham Greene — English novelist and author of The Third Man
  • Graham Norton — Irish-British television presenter

Similar Names to Graham

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Also consider:Stewart

Sibling Name Ideas for Graham

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Graham mean?

Graham is a boy name of English, Scottish origin meaning "Gravelly homestead." Graham is a Scottish and English name derived from the Old English "grand" (gravel) and "ham" (homestead), referring to a gravelly or grey homestead. The name became prominent through the Scottish Clan Graham, one of the most notable clans in Scottish history.

How do you pronounce Graham?

Graham is pronounced GRAY-um. Common variations include Graeme, Grahame, Gram.

Is Graham a boy name?

Yes, Graham is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Gray, G.

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