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Grainne

Girl name · 4 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Grainne: 4 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 4 births in 2002.

Grainne, pronounced GRAWN-yeh, is an Irish name deeply rooted in Celtic mythology, with the original form Gráinne thought to derive from the word for "love" or possibly "grain." The most famous historical bearer is Gráinne O'Malley, the 16th-century Irish pirate queen, also known as Grace O'Malley, who famously defied English authority. In legend, Gráinne was the beautiful, headstrong daughter of High King Cormac mac Airt, who eloped with the warrior Diarmuid, sparking a tragic tale of love and pursuit. While no significant places share the name's exact root, the anglicised form Grania has been used in Scottish literature, and the name enjoys quiet popularity in modern Scotland for its lyrical, ancient feel. It remains a distinctive choice that connects a child to a rich heritage of fearless, independent women.

Girl 1 of 52 years

Peak year
20024 babies
Latest (2002)
#5454 babies
Total births
4since 2002
5-year trend
≈ stablevs prior 5y
1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2002 · 4
Births per year in Scotland. Missing years had a count of 2 or fewer (suppressed by NRS).