Graig

♂ Boy

Pronounced GRAYG /ˈɡreɪɡ/High

Meaning: Graig is a variant spelling of Craig, from the Scottish Gaelic creag, meaning a crag or rocky outcrop. It began as a Scottish surname and place-name before becoming a popular given name. Graig swaps the C for a G while keeping the sturdy 'rock' meaning.Medium

In 30 seconds: Graig is a variant of Craig — Scottish Gaelic 'creag', 'rock' (said 'GRAYG'). It crested in the late nineteen-seventies.

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Origin MediumScottish Gaelic

MeaningGraig is a variant spelling of Craig, from the Scottish Gaelic creag, meaning a crag or rocky outcrop. It began as a Scottish surname and place-name before becoming a popular given name. Graig swaps the C for a G while keeping the sturdy 'rock' meaning.

U.S. rank (2013)#11203 ↘ Falling

2013 U.S. births6 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1979

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,336

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Graig is a variant of Craig, from the Scottish Gaelic creag, a crag or rock. Craig spread from a Scottish surname and place-name into wide use as a first name in the mid-20th century. Graig gives it a G- opening while keeping the rugged, rocky sense.

Graig crested around 1979, near the tail of Craig's strong run, and has stayed uncommon. A man given it then is in his forties now. The standard Craig is vastly more common, leaving Graig a rare variant of a mid-century staple.

Did you know? Graig is Craig with a single letter changed, but the meaning stays firmly planted: creag is the Gaelic word for a crag or rocky cliff.

Overall data confidence 60%

References — Graig — Variant of Craig; Scottish Gaelic creag 'rock'

Variations

CraigKraigCraig

Nicknames

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If you like Graig…

Craig— the standard spelling Graig varies

Greg— a like short G- boy's name of the era

Gregg— a same-sound one-syllable name of the period

Kraig— another respelling of the same Craig name

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Graig mean?

Graig is a variant of Craig, from the Scottish Gaelic 'creag' meaning 'crag' or 'rock'.

How do you pronounce Graig?

It's said GRAYG /ˈɡreɪɡ/ — one syllable.

Is Graig a boy or girl name?

Graig is used as a boy's name, a variant of Craig.

How popular is Graig?

Graig is an uncommon variant that crested in the late nineteen-seventies near the tail of Craig's popularity.