Meaning, origin, history
The name Gráinne is of Irish origin and it means "grain". In Irish mythology, Gráinne is the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt, the High King of Ireland. She is famous for her beauty and wisdom, and she plays a significant role in the legendary tale of the Fianna, a band of hunter-warriors led by Finn mac Cumaill.
Gráinne was betrothed to Fiacha, son of the king of Ulster, but she fell in love with Diarmuid Ua Duibhne, one of Finn's finest warriors. Together they fled from Fiacha and embarked on a series of adventures, eventually returning to Ireland where Gráinance became queen consort.
The name Gráinne has been used in Ireland for centuries and it remains popular today. It is often spelled with the accent acute over the first 'a', which emphasizes the pronunciation of that vowel. In English-speaking countries outside of Ireland, the name may be anglicized as Grania or Graney.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Grainne since 1880
Total births
92
Total since 1880
Peak year
1989
9 births
in 2007
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years