"large, great"
Origin: Old French
Language: English
Grant
Pronunciation: [ gr-ANT ]
Does Grant flow with your last name?
A one-syllable powerhouse meaning great
English
Scottish
American
Strong
Classic
Sophisticated
Bold
Traditional
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Grant
4 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"tall, imposing one"
Origin: Scottish Gaelic
Language: Scottish
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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.
Historical Record
Grant first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 120,124 babies have been named Grant in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Grant is a steady classic , currently ranked #241 for boy names in the US .
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
Popularity Over Time
#241
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Steady Classic
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Grant
C
Cary Grant
Actor
1904
Legendary Hollywood actor renowned for his debonair style in classic films like North by Northwest
U
Ulysses S. Grant
Politician
1822
18th US President and Union general who secured victory in the Civil War
G
Grant Ward Fictional
Other
Morally complex HYDRA agent and antagonist in Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
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See all →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
Nicknames
Gra
Gry
Grie
Grakins
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Grant
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Grant is also used as a girl name, ranked #67115.
View Grant as a girl name →Similar Names
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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, Grie, and Grakins.
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.
What boy names are similar to Grant?
Are there other spellings for Grant?
Related spellings include Granger.
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, Grie, and Grakins. 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.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis