Graham is an Anglo-Saxon given name derived from the Old English elements 'graeg' meaning 'gray-haired' and 'hamm' which means 'home'. It was initially used as a nickname for individuals with gray hair, but over time it evolved into a given name in its own right. The name Graham has been popular among families of Scottish descent due to its association with the Clan Graham, who were influential landowners in Scotland during medieval times.
The name Graham experienced a significant increase in popularity from the late 20th century onwards, with a notable spike starting around the year 2014.