Grant

male

Origin

Old English origin, derived from the medieval given name 'Grant', which means 'large' or 'great'. The surname and given name 'Grant' emerged from Old French 'Grant', meaning 'great'. It has been used in England since the Middle Ages and became popular in Scotland and throughout the British Isles. In Australia, it entered common usage through Scottish immigrants and was adopted widely as a first name in the 20th century.

Meaning

Literal translation is 'large' or 'great', often connoting strength, prominence, or dignity in Australian English contexts. It is also associated with qualities like leadership and authority.

Pronunciation

'ɡrɑːnt' (Australian English: /ɡɹænt/), with emphasis on the first syllable, pronouncing the 'a' as in 'father'. Various Australian accents may influence subtle pronunciation differences.

Variants & Nicknames

Variants

  • Grant (standard form)
  • Graham (related name)
  • Grantham (surname-derived variant)

Nicknames

  • Granty
  • G

Name Days

  • 12 June (United Kingdom & Australia – commemorating Saint Grant, a lesser-known saint associated with Scottish tradition)
  • 4 April (historical Australian settlers' day, sometimes informally referenced in family celebrations)
  • No specific indigenous or M01ori name day

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with grant:

  • James and Alexi
  • William and Ben
  • Charlotte and Emily
  • Henry and George

Fun Facts

  • The name 'Grant' gained popularity among Australian males in the 1950s and 1960s, partly due to Australian military figures and sports personalities.
  • A famous Australian racehorse was named 'Grant', known for winning several high-profile races.
  • The name appears frequently in Australian literature and film, symbolising strength and resilience.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name grant:

  • Leadership
  • Strength
  • Dignity
  • Resilience

Aesthetic Qualities

Strong, straightforward, and classic visual appearance; the name's brevity ensures ease of use in branding, signage, and media representation in Australia.

Geographical Distribution

More common in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland, especially among families of Scottish descent. Less prevalent in Aboriginal communities where indigenous names predominate.

Numerological Significance

Name number 8, associated with power and material success in numerology, reflecting qualities often linked with the name in Australian cultural perceptions.

Astrological Connections

No specific zodiac association, though Scorpios and Leos are thought to embody some traits akin to the name’s characteristics, such as strength and authority.

Historical Context

The name 'Grant' has been borne by notable Australian figures such as Sir Alexander Grant (a pioneering politician) and sports personalities like Grant Hackett ( swimmer). Its usage in Australian fiction and media often underscores themes of strength and endurance.

Linguistic Adaptability

Remains consistent across English-speaking contexts; easily integrated into other languages with similar phonetic structures, though less common outside English-speaking countries.

Famous People Named grant

  • Grant Hackett (Olympic swimmer)
  • Grant Denyer (television presenter)
  • Grant McLennan (musician)

Popularity in Australia

Year Count
2016 1
2013 2
1990 160
1989 159
1988 117