Kraig is a unique and distinctive given name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Scottish surname Craik, which is believed to have originated from the Gaelic word "creag," meaning "rock." The name Kraig has been used as both a first name and a middle name for generations in Scotland and among Scottish descendants around the world.
The earliest records of the surname Craik date back to the 13th century, when it was used by families living near Edinburgh. Over time, some branches of these families began using Kraig as a given name, perhaps influenced by the popularity of names ending with "-g" during that era, such as Craig and Keith.
Despite its Scottish roots, Kraig has also been adopted by other cultures and communities worldwide. In some cases, it may be chosen for its unique sound or because parents simply appreciate its distinctive nature. Regardless of its origin, Kraig remains a lesser-used name that can help a child stand out without being too eccentric.
There are no specific historical figures named Kraig to draw upon when discussing the name's significance or history. However, those who bear this name today may take pride in their connection to Scottish heritage and the strength and resilience symbolized by the word "rock." Ultimately, like any given name, Kraig is what you make of it – a unique identifier with personal meaning that can evolve over time based on individual experiences and interpretations.
The name Kraig has been given to babies born in the United States for over eight decades, with the first recorded birth occurring in 1939. Throughout the years, the popularity of this name has fluctuated significantly.
From 1939 to 1960, there was a steady increase in the number of births registered as Kraig each year, with a notable spike in 1958 and 1960, reaching a peak of 204 births in the latter year. This trend continued until 1970, when the name's popularity started to decline.
Between 1970 and 1989, there was a significant decrease in the number of babies named Kraig, with only one year (1975) exceeding 100 births during this period. The lowest point was reached in 1993, with just 62 births recorded.
However, from 1984 onwards, the name began to experience periodic resurgences in popularity. In 1988, there were 133 births, and this figure reached a peak of 150 births in 1991 before dropping off again. From 2000 onwards, the number of babies named Kraig remained consistently low, with no more than 60 births recorded annually until 2008.
Over the past decade, the name Kraig has continued to be used infrequently, with fewer than ten births reported each year since 2010. The most recent data shows that there were six births in both 2020 and 2021.
In total, over the course of nearly eight decades (from 1939 to 2021), there have been 5,951 babies born in the United States named Kraig. This demonstrates that while the name has not been particularly popular at any given time, it has maintained a steady presence among newborns throughout the years.
Despite its fluctuations in popularity, the name Kraig has remained an enduring choice for parents in the United States, with each birth representing a unique and special addition to their family.