Grant

Pronunciation: [ gr-ANT ]

Boy Name #241 Most Popular Steady 1 Syllable

A one-syllable powerhouse meaning great

English Scottish American

Strong Classic Sophisticated Bold Traditional

Meaning & Origin

"large, great"

Origin: Old French

Language: English

"tall, imposing one"

Origin: Scottish Gaelic

Language: Scottish

The Story of Grant

Grant originated as an English and Scottish surname from the Old French 'grand' or 'graunt,' meaning large or great. It entered use as a given name largely in honor of Ulysses S. Grant, the Union general and 18th US President, becoming especially popular in the 19th century. Its transition from surname to first name reflects the American tradition of honoring notable figures through naming, and the name has worn its one-syllable authority well through every generation since.

Grant peaked in the US in the 1970s-1990s, consistently ranking in the top 200 as parents favored its crisp, presidential authority. It has remained steadily popular as a strong one-syllable name that ages effortlessly from boyhood to boardroom.

The Grant surname is historically significant in Scotland, where it is a major Highland clan name. As a first name, it carries associations with strength and presidential leadership, largely due to Civil War hero and President Ulysses S. Grant.

Fun Facts

Grant is both a major Scottish clan name and a US presidential name
Cary Grant was born Archibald Leach and chose Grant as his stage name for its strength and authority
The name has been in continuous use for over 150 years as a given name in America

Grant in Other Languages

French Grant

German Grant

Italian Grant

Spanish Grant

Famous People Named Grant

Cary Grant

Actor

1904

Legendary Hollywood actor renowned for his debonair style in classic films like North by Northwest

Ulysses S. Grant

Politician

1822

18th US President and Union general who secured victory in the Civil War

Grant Ward Fictional

Other

Morally complex HYDRA agent and antagonist in Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Quick Facts

Gender: Boy
Syllables: 1
Popularity Rank: #241
Total SSA Count: 1,453
Cultural Origins: English Scottish American
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Formal
Cross-Cultural Ease: High

Alternative Spellings

Granger #1258

Nicknames

Gra Gry Graie

Pairs Well With

Grant Thomas Grant William Grant Alexander Grant James Grant Edward Grant Michael

Sibling Names

Reid Blake Claire Sloane Brooks Elise

Also a Girl Name

Grant is also used as a girl name, ranked #67115.

View Grant as a girl name →

Similar Names

Glen Jason Carson Hudson Graham Beckham Branson Garrison

Playground Safety

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Frequently Asked Questions About Grant

What does the name Grant mean?

"large, great" (from Old French). "tall, imposing one" (from Scottish Gaelic). Grant originated as an English and Scottish surname from the Old French 'grand' or 'graunt,' meaning large or great. It entered use as a given name largely in honor of Ulysses S. Grant, the Union general and 18th US President, becoming especially popular in the 19th century. Its transition from surname to first name reflects the American tradition of honoring notable figures through naming, and the name has worn its one-syllable authority well through every generation since.

What is the origin of the name Grant?

Grant has Old French, Scottish Gaelic, English, Scottish, and American origins. In Old French, it means "large, great". In Scottish Gaelic, it means "tall, imposing one".

Is Grant a boy or girl name?

Grant is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #241. As a girl name, it is ranked #67115. Grant is more commonly used as a boy name.

How do you pronounce Grant?

Grant is pronounced gr-ANT.

How popular is the name Grant?

Grant is currently ranked #241 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Grant?

Common nicknames for Grant include Gra, Gry, and Graie.

What are good middle names for Grant?

Popular middle name pairings include Grant Thomas, Grant William, Grant Alexander, Grant James, Grant Edward, and Grant Michael.

What are good sibling names for Grant?

Names that pair well with Grant as siblings include Reid, Blake, Claire, Sloane, Brooks, and Elise.

How many syllables does Grant have?

Grant has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Grant a common or rare name?

Grant is a popular name, ranked #241 for boys. It is well-known without being overused.

About the Name Grant

Grant is a boy name with English, Scottish, and American origins . The name means "large, great" in Old French .

Is Grant a boy or girl name? Grant is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #241 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #67,115. Grant is more commonly used as a boy name.

Grant is currently ranked #241 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Grant has 1 syllable and is pronounced gr-ANT, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Grant include Gra, Gry, and Graie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

Alternative spellings of Grant include Granger . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.