Grace: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Girl name origins & meanings

What does Grace mean and stand for?

Meaning:

English: God's grace
Latin: Favor; blessing

Gender: Female

Syllables: 1

Pronunciation: The name Grace is pronounced grays

The name Grace, derived from the Latin word "gratia," meaning "favor" or "thanks", has a rich historical and spiritual significance. It is a name that has been used in English-speaking countries since the Protestant Reformation, symbolizing God's grace and is used as a virtue name.

Girl name variations

Family name origins & meanings

English: nickname from Middle English, Old French grace "charm", "pleasantness" (Latin gratia).

English: from the female personal name Gracia, which was popular in the Middle Ages. This seems in the first instance to have been from a Germanic element grīs "gray" (see Grice 1), but was soon associated by folk etymology with the Latin word meaning "charm."

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Grace in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Grace Adler from Will & Grace - A successful interior designer living in New York City.
Grace Bertrand from American Horror Story: Asylum - A mysterious patient with a dark past.
Grace Van Pelt from The Mentalist - A special agent known for her expertise in computers and hacking.
Grace Sheffield from The Nanny - The intelligent and well-mannered daughter of Broadway producer Maxwell Sheffield.
Grace Holloway from Doctor Who - A compassionate and skilled cardiologist who encounters The Doctor.

Popularity of the Name Grace

According to data from the Social Security Administration, Grace has consistently been a highly popular name in the United States, often ranking within the top 20 names for baby girls. Grace holds a timeless appeal and has been associated with various historical figures, actors, and fictional characters. The name Grace first rose to popularity in the 16th century when it was adopted by the Puritans from the name Gracia, which was used during the Middle Ages.

Notable individuals with the name Grace include actress Grace Kelly, who later became Princess Grace of Monaco, and writer Grace Paley known for her literary contributions. In popular culture, fictional characters like Grace Adler from Will & Grace and Grace Hanson from Grace and Frankie have brought the name Grace to the forefront, contributing to its enduring popularity over the years.