Grady
/ˈɡɹeɪ.di/
Grady derives from the Irish surname, itself from the byname Gráda meaning “noble” or “illust rious.” The surname Ó Gráda or Grády was common in County Clare and Tipperary, and its Anglicized form made the crossing to America with Irish emigrants.
The name transferred to given-name use in 19th-century America, particularly in the South, where Irish surnames were frequently adopted as first names. It sits in the same tradition as Brady, Casey, and Grady.
Grady ranked No. 370 in 2024 with 882 births. It peaked at No. 180 in 1911 with 173 births, a Victorian-era name experiencing a meaningful modern revival.
What the name Grady means
Filmmaker Grady Hendrix and the character Grady Judd (a Florida sheriff prominent in US media) keep the name in public view. The broader Southern vintage-name revival has driven its comeback.
Two syllables — GRAY-dee — are warm and accessible. The -dy ending gives it an easygoing quality, while the Gaelic meaning adds historical depth.
Parents seeking a vintage name with Irish roots and a friendly, approachable sound find Grady an appealing choice. It has the ease of a monosyllable with the substance of a longer name.
Related Irish surname names with similar sound and style include Brady, Cady, Casey, and Declan. The Southern vintage cluster also includes Hank, Earl, and Floyd.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Grady
Grady - similar names
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