Grant is what we call a “stalwart” name. It is one syllable, easy to spell, impossible to mispronounce, and ages beautifully from a muddy-kneed toddler to a CEO. It lacks the trendy distinctive endings of names like Aiden or Oliver, making it a timeless choice that stands apart from current fads. Verdict: Grant is the perfect choice for parents in 2025 who want a traditional, masculine name that feels established but not dusty.
Grant Overview
- Meaning: Grant is derived from the Latin grandis, which gave way to the French graund. Both of these words mean “tall” or “large.”
- Gender: Grant is a popular boy’s name in most English-speaking countries. It doesn’t have an explicit female variation.
- Origin: Grant originated from the French word graund and the Latin grandis.
- Pronunciation: “GRANT”
- Popularity: Grant currently sits at 212th place in the United States. It reached its peak popularity in 1997 when it was the 115th most popular baby name.
- Variations: Grand, Grandt, Grante, Grente.
- Namesakes: Grant Achilles, Grant Bowler, Grant Crabtree, Grant Dawson.
What Does Grant Mean?
At its core, the name Grant is an English and Scottish surname derived from the Anglo-Norman French term graund. This word translates directly to “tall” or “large.” However, the etymology offers more nuance than simple physical stature.
Derived from the Latin grandis, the name implies greatness, magnanimity, and importance. It suggests a person of high standing or “grand” reputation. In Scottish history, the name is tied to Clan Grant, a powerful Highland clan whose motto is “Stand Fast,” adding a layer of steadfast loyalty and resilience to the name’s meaning.
Where Does the Name Grant Come From?
Grant began its life as a descriptive nickname. Following the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, the French language heavily influenced English naming customs. A person of remarkable height or impressive personality might be referred to as le Graund (the Big/The Great).
Over time, this nickname evolved into a hereditary surname. It was particularly prominent in Scotland and England for centuries. It wasn’t until the 19th century, particularly in the United States, that Grant made the leap from a last name to a first name. This transition was heavily influenced by the fame of Ulysses S. Grant, the victorious Union general and 18th U.S. President. It became common for patriotic parents to bestow the general’s surname upon their sons, cementing Grant as a given name in the American lexicon.
How Popular is the Name Grant?
Grant is the definition of a “steady hand” in the world of baby names. It is a timeless classic that has never been trendy enough to become dated, yet never obscure enough to be weird. According to Social Security Administration data, Grant has been in the top 500 names in the US for over a century.
The name saw a significant surge in the 1990s, likely influenced by popular figures like basketball star Grant Hill and the general trend of surname-names. It peaked in 1997 just outside the top 100. In 2025, Grant has cooled off slightly from its 90s high but remains a comfortable, recognizable favorite. It currently sits in the “Goldilocks” zone: popular enough that everyone recognizes it, but rare enough that your son likely won’t share the name with three other boys in his kindergarten class (1).
How Do I Pronounce Grant?
The pronunciation is straightforward: GRANT.
It rhymes with “plant” or “cant.”
In certain British dialects, or “Received Pronunciation,” the vowel sound is elongated to a “broad A,” sounding more like GRAH-nt (rhyming with “aunt” in the UK style). However, in the US and Canada, the short “a” is standard.
Is Grant a Boy or Girl Name?
Grant is overwhelmingly considered a boy’s name. While surname-names like Mackenzie or Addison have crossed over to become unisex or predominantly female, Grant has retained its masculine image. It is extremely rare to find a girl named Grant.
Variations of Grant
Because Grant is a relatively short name derived from English and French roots, it does not have many direct translations in other languages. It travels well, but usually stays as “Grant.” However, the historical spellings and roots offer these variations:
- Grand: The original French descriptor.
- Grandt: A Germanic variation often found as a surname.
- Grante: An Old English spelling.
- Grente: A Middle English variation found in old records.
Nicknames for Grant
One of the appeals of Grant is that it is a “what you see is what you get” name. Being one syllable, it is practically nickname-proof. However, affectionate families always find a way.
Common Nicknames:
- G: The most common, sporty shorthand.
- Gray: A softer alternative that plays on the vowel sound.
Creative & Rare Nicknames:
- G-Man: A playful retro nickname implying a government agent or someone in charge.
- Rocky: A conceptual nickname playing on the “granite” sound within Grant.
- Granth: A playful elongation often used by close friends.
Names Similar to Grant
If you love the crisp, professional vibe of Grant but want to explore other options, consider these names that share a similar style.
- Clark: Like Grant, this is a one-syllable surname name with a mid-century, Superman-esque charm.
- Graham: Shares the “Gr” beginning and the soft-yet-strong Scottish origin.
- Dean: Has the same retro-cool factor and brevity.
- Reid: A sophisticated, one-syllable surname name that feels academic and preppy.
- Cole: A cowboy-cool name that matches Grant’s rugged side.
- Vance: A rare gem that feels just as sharp and upscale as Grant.
- Heath: Nature-inspired but retains that rugged one-syllable punch.
- Pierce: Offers a slightly sharper, more aristocratic alternative.
Middle Names for Grant
Because Grant is a strong, single-syllable anchor, it pairs beautifully with longer middle names. The rhythm of “One-Three” (Grant Al-ex-an-der) or “One-Two” (Grant Thom-as) usually flows best.
Classic & Presidential
These pairings lean into the statesman-like history of the name.
- Grant Alexander
- Grant William
- Grant Theodore
- Grant Edward
- Grant Harrison
- Grant Christopher
Modern & Cool
To balance the traditional feel of Grant, try a middle name with a modern edge.
- Grant Wilder
- Grant Xavier
- Grant Lucas
- Grant Hudson
- Grant Sawyer
- Grant Oliver
Surname Style
Double-down on the preppy style by using another surname as a middle.
- Grant Sullivan
- Grant Anderson
- Grant Marshall
- Grant Bennett
- Grant Sterling
Sibling Names for Grant
Grant fits into several “styles,” so it matches well with siblings who have traditional names, as well as those with trendy surname-names.
For a Brother
- Blake: Another strong, one-syllable choice.
- Spencer: Captures the same preppy, upper-crust vibe.
- Miles: Gentle, historic, and charming.
- Patrick: A classic pairing that sounds great yelled across a playground.
- Ford: Leans into the rugged, automotive association.
For a Sister
- Claire: The perfect female counterpart; short, French origin, and timeless.
- Audrey: Matches the “Old Hollywood” glamour of Cary Grant.
- Sloane: A sophisticated surname-name for girls that holds its own against Grant.
- Lauren: A 90s favorite that pairs naturally.
- Tess: Short, sweet, and vintage.
Famous People Named Grant
While the list of people named Grant is long, a few key figures have defined the name’s image in the public eye.
- Ulysses S. Grant: The 18th U.S. President and commanding general of the Union Army. He is the primary reason the name transitioned from a surname to a first name.
- Cary Grant: Born Archibald Leach, he chose the stage name “Grant” for its strong, debonair appeal. He remains the ultimate symbol of Hollywood elegance.
- Hugh Grant: The British actor known for his charm in romantic comedies like Notting Hill and Love Actually.
- Grant Hill: An American basketball legend and Hall of Famer, popularizing the name in the 1990s.
- Grant Gustin: An American actor and singer, best known for playing The Flash in the DC television series.
- Grant Wood: The famous American painter best known for his iconic work, American Gothic.
Grant in Pop Culture
- Dr. Alan Grant: The protagonist of Jurassic Park. As a paleontologist, he represents intelligence, capability, and survival, giving the name a smart, adventurous edge.
- Grant Ward: A complex main character in Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
- Grant Mitchell: A long-running character on the British soap opera EastEnders, known as a “tough guy.”
- Captain Grant: From the Jules Verne novel In Search of the Castaways.
FAQs About the Name Grant
Here are answers to the most common questions parents ask when considering this name.
How Popular Is the Surname Grant?
Grant is a popular surname in those with English, French, and Scottish ancestry. As of the 2010 United States Census, Grant was ranked 196th in the country on a list of surnames. It’s also the 10th most popular surname in Jamaica (2).
Is Grant a Girl’s Name?
Traditionally, Grant is a boy’s name. Although there are girls named Grant, it’s pretty uncommon. Instead, you’ll likely find girls with similar names, such as Grace.
Is Grant a Unique Name?
Grant is not a unique name. If you want to choose a popular, easy-to-pronounce name for your child, Grant is perfect. However, if you’re seeking something more unusual, you might want to expand your search somewhat.
Is Grant a Biblical Name?
No, Grant is not a Biblical name. It does not appear in the Old or New Testaments. It is of English, Scottish, and French origin. If you are looking for a name with a similar solid sound that is Biblical, you might consider names like Mark, Luke, or Paul.
What is the “Vibe” of the Name Grant?
Grant has a “rugged gentleman” vibe. It bridges the gap between white-collar prep school names (like Preston or Brooks) and blue-collar tradesman names (like Hank or Clay). It feels reliable, honest, and smart.
Is Grant an “Old Man” Name?
While Grant has a vintage history, it does not feel like an “old man” name in the way that names like Elmer or Walter might. Because it had a popularity spike in the 1990s, it feels established and adult, but not geriatric. It is viewed as a timeless classic.
Does Grant Have a Scottish Tartan?
Yes, because Grant is a prominent Scottish surname associated with Clan Grant, there is a Grant tartan. The Clan Grant is one of the principal clans of the Scottish Highlands, meaning the name carries a deep heritage of Scottish nobility and history.
What Names Sound Like Grant but are Softer?
If Grant feels a bit too abrupt or hard-sounding, you might prefer names that share the “Gr” sound but have a softer ending. Good alternatives include Grady, Griffin, or Graham.
