Grady is an English surname that comes from the Old Norse personal name "Gráði", which means "ready" or "prepared". The name was originally given to someone who was always prepared for battle or any other type of challenge.
The surname Grady has a long history in Ireland, where it has been present since at least the 13th century. It is believed to have been brought to Ireland by Viking settlers and later adopted by Irish families. In England, the name is associated with several notable families, including the Grady family of Yorkshire.
Over time, Grady has also become a given name for boys in English-speaking countries. While it is not as common as some other names, it remains a popular choice among parents looking for unique and meaningful names for their sons.
Overall, the name Grady has a strong and powerful meaning that reflects its Viking origins. It is a name that carries with it a sense of readiness and preparedness for whatever challenges life may bring.
Here are some interesting statistics about the name Grady:
* The name Grady first appeared on the Social Security Administration's list of popular baby names in the United States in 1916, with only 8 boys being named Grady that year.
* From 1916 to 1945, the popularity of the name Grady increased significantly. In fact, it peaked in 1927 when there were 518 births with the name Grady.
* However, starting from the mid-1940s, the popularity of the name Grady began to decline. By 1963, only 285 babies were named Grady.
* The name Grady experienced a brief resurgence in popularity during the late 1970s and early 1980s, with 141 births in 1979 and 151 births in 1982. However, it soon declined again.
* In recent years, the name Grady has remained relatively stable in popularity. Between 2016 and 2023, there were between 725 to 800 births with the name Grady each year.
Overall, while the name Grady has had its ups and downs in popularity over the years, it remains a distinctive and memorable choice for parents looking for a unique name for their child.