Grayson is a strong and distinctive name of English origin, with a rich history and unique meaning. The name Grayson is derived from the Old English words "græg" and "stone," which combine to mean "gray" or "grey stone." This name has been used for centuries as both a given name and a surname in England.
The use of Grayson as a given name can be traced back to at least the 17th century, where it was often used as a middle name among aristocratic families. Over time, Grayson has become more popular as a first name, particularly in recent decades. Today, Grayson is considered a contemporary classic, beloved for its timelessness and strength.
One notable figure bearing the name Grayson is American actor and filmmaker Matthew Gray Gubler, who was born with the full name Matthew Gray Gubler but is commonly known by his middle name, Grayson. His popularity has contributed to the increased familiarity of this name in recent years.
In literature, Grayson has been used as a character name in several works, including "Grayson: The Dragon Chronicles" by M. R. Caruso and "Grayson's Boys" by Danica Avet. These examples demonstrate the versatility of the name Grayson across various genres and contexts.
Overall, Grayson is an appealing choice for parents seeking a strong, distinctive name with English roots and a rich history. Its unique meaning adds to its allure, making Grayson a memorable option for boys' names.
The name Grayson has seen a significant increase in popularity over time, with a notable spike from the mid-1980s onwards. It began with only a handful of births each year in the late 1960s and early 1970s but then grew steadily throughout the 1980s. By the mid-1990s, Grayson reached its peak popularity with over 150 births per year consistently until around 2014.
However, since then, there has been a noticeable decline in popularity for the name Grayson. From 2015 onwards, the number of annual births with this name has decreased significantly, dropping from over 170 in 2015 to just under 60 in 2023. This trend suggests that while Grayson was once a highly popular choice for parents, its popularity may now be waning.
In total, there were 4096 births with the name Grayson between 1961 and 2023.