Grafton is an uncommon yet intriguing given name of English origin. It is derived from the Middle English word "graffe," which means "town by a gravel bank." The name Grafton gained prominence during the Middle Ages in England, particularly after the establishment of Grafton Manor in Northamptonshire, which was once home to the powerful Spencer family.
The name Grafton is thought to have originated from Old English words "graef" meaning "gravel," and "-tun," signifying "farmstead" or "settlement." Thus, the full meaning of the name Grafton can be interpreted as "town by a gravel bank."
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Grafton. One of the most prominent figures is John Grafton (1602-1678), an English lawyer and politician who served as Speaker of the House of Commons during the reign of King Charles II. Another famous bearer of the name is Lieutenant General Sir Harry Grafton (1895-1973), a British Army officer who played a significant role in World War II.
Today, Grafton remains an uncommon given name, but it continues to be associated with its historical roots and notable figures throughout history. It may also evoke images of the charming English countryside or inspire thoughts of strength and resilience due to its meaning relating to gravel banks. Despite its rarity, Grafton is a unique and distinctive name that carries a rich history and intriguing origins.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Grafton has seen a varied number of births in the United States each year since 1886. The peak years for the name Grafton were between 1915 and 1917, with 21, 25, and 22 births respectively during those years.
From 1942 to 1953, there was an increase in the number of babies named Grafton, reaching a peak of 24 births in 1942. However, this trend decreased afterwards, with the number of births ranging from 6 to 15 between 1954 and 1987.
Starting from 1989, there was another increase in the number of babies named Grafton, with 9 births in 1992, followed by fluctuations between 5 and 15 births until 2006. Since then, the name has maintained a steady presence, with at least 7 births each year up to 2023, except for a dip to 5 births in 2015.
In total, there have been 1062 babies named Grafton born in the United States since 1886. Despite fluctuations over time, the name Grafton has consistently remained present in the US baby naming landscape.