Grady is an English surname that comes from the Old Norse personal name "Gráði", which means "ready" or "prepared". The name was originally given to someone who was always prepared for battle or any other type of challenge.
The surname Grady has a long history in Ireland, where it has been present since at least the 13th century. It is believed to have been brought to Ireland by Viking settlers and later adopted by Irish families. In England, the name is associated with several notable families, including the Grady family of Yorkshire.
Over time, Grady has also become a given name for boys in English-speaking countries. While it is not as common as some other names, it remains a popular choice among parents looking for unique and meaningful names for their sons.
Overall, the name Grady has a strong and powerful meaning that reflects its Viking origins. It is a name that carries with it a sense of readiness and preparedness for whatever challenges life may bring.
Here are a few observations about the statistics for the name Grady:
- The number of births peaked in 2006 with 558 births and then sharply increased to 945 in 2007, suggesting a possible trend or event that led to more parents choosing this name.
- The total number of births was highest between 1911 and 1923, with the peak being 595 births in 1923. This could indicate that Grady became particularly popular during this period.
- There are noticeable fluctuations in the number of births each year, with no clear long-term trends until the late 1990s when the numbers started to rise consistently.
- The name saw a significant drop in popularity after the mid-20th century. In the 1960s and 1970s, fewer than 350 births were recorded each year on average, compared to over 400 in the preceding decades.
- The most recent years (2020-2023) show an increase in popularity again, with over 700 births each year. This could suggest a renewed interest in the name Grady among parents today.
Overall, these statistics demonstrate that while Grady has had periods of popularity, its usage as a baby name has varied greatly throughout history.