Graceful is a name of African origin that has gained popularity in recent years. It means 'grace' or 'mercy', which are both positive qualities associated with kindness and compassion. In the Bible, Grace is an attribute of God's love towards humans. The name may also be derived from the Latin word 'gratia', meaning 'thanksgiving'. Historically, it has been used as a given name since the Middle Ages, often as a shortened form of names like Graciela or Grazia. Today, Gracious is seen as an elegant and sophisticated choice for parents looking for something unique yet meaningful.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Gracious has seen a steady increase in popularity over the past two decades in the United States. From 1999 to 2023, there have been a total of 192 babies named Gracious, with the number of births per year ranging from 6 to 14.
The name's popularity peaked in recent years, with 14 births recorded in 2019 and 12 births each in 2018, 2022, and 2023. This consistent high frequency suggests that the name Gracious is now more commonly chosen by parents for their newborns compared to previous decades.
However, it's essential to note that while there has been growth, the number of births with the name Gracious remains relatively low compared to other popular names in the United States. Therefore, having a child named Gracious may still make them stand out among their peers.
In conclusion, based on the statistics provided, the name Gracious has shown an upward trend in popularity over time in the United States but is still considered somewhat unique and distinctive.