Grace is a feminine given name of Latin origin and meaning "charm" or "elegance". It is derived from the Latin word "gratia", which means grace or gratitude. The name has been used for centuries, with its earliest recorded use dating back to the Middle Ages in England.
The name Grace became particularly popular during the Victorian era in the 19th century, when it was often given to girls as a virtue name, reflecting the desired qualities of elegance and charm that were valued in young ladies at the time. The name has continued to be popular throughout the centuries, with its usage peaking in the United States during the early 20th century.
Some famous individuals named Grace include Grace Kelly, the American actress who became Princess Grace of Monaco after marrying Prince Rainier III, and Grace O'Malley, an Irish pirate queen from the 16th century. The name has also been used in literature, such as in the novel "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, where the character Daisy Buchanan is sometimes referred to as "the girl with the charming little grace.
The name Grace has been popular among parents in the United States for over a century, as evidenced by the annual birth statistics from 1880 to present day. The number of newborn girls named Grace fluctuated significantly during the early years, with around 1000 births per year from 1880 to 1890. However, starting in 1892, there was a noticeable increase in the popularity of the name, reaching over 2000 births per year.
The peak of Grace's popularity occurred between 1997 and 2003, with over 10,000 births per year. The highest number of newborn girls named Grace was recorded in 2000, with 12,089 births. Since then, the name has remained popular but its popularity has declined slightly, with around 7000 to 8000 births per year between 2004 and 2023.
In total, over 524,649 newborn girls were named Grace in the United States from 1880 to 2023. Despite fluctuations in popularity over time, Grace remains a classic and timeless name choice for parents.