Craig is a masculine given name of Scottish origin. It comes from the Gaelic word "creag," which means "rock" or "crag." The name Craig is often associated with Scotland's rugged landscapes, as it refers to rocky outcrops or cliffs.
The use of Craig as a given name can be traced back to the 19th century. However, its popularity has grown significantly in recent decades. Today, Craig is considered a popular and modern name, often used by parents who appreciate its strong Scottish roots and unique sound.
In some cases, Craig may also be used as a surname, derived from locations named after rocky formations. This practice has contributed to the spread of the name throughout Scotland and beyond.
Overall, Craig is a distinctive and meaningful given name that pays homage to Scotland's rich natural heritage. Its straightforward and powerful meaning makes it an appealing choice for parents seeking a strong and memorable name for their son.
The name Craig has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the years in the United States. In the late 19th century, it was relatively uncommon, with fewer than ten births per year between 1881 and 1904.
However, the early 20th century marked a turning point for the name Craig. Between 1906 and 1923, there were consistently over fifty births per year, reaching a peak of 112 in 1923. This trend continued throughout the 1930s, with the number of births ranging from 105 to 384 per year.
The post-WWII era saw an unprecedented boom in popularity for the name Craig. Between 1946 and 1955, there were over 7,000 births per year on average. The peak was reached in 1954 with 7,179 births. This high level of popularity persisted until the late 1960s.
However, beginning in the early 1970s, the number of births named Craig started to decline. By 1980, there were fewer than 4,000 births per year, and this downward trend continued throughout the decade. The 1990s saw a further drop, with fewer than 3,000 births per year.
The 21st century has seen a continued decline in the popularity of the name Craig. From 2000 to 2022, there have been an average of just over 200 births per year. The highest number during this period was 367 in 2008, while the lowest was 113 in 2023.
In total, from 1881 to 2023, there have been approximately 299,426 births named Craig in the United States. Despite its ups and downs in popularity over the years, Craig remains a classic and timeless name choice.