Baby Names That Mean “Grace”
Leading a life that exhibits grace is tough, but not impossible. Showing baby by example and through various lessons throughout this beautiful and messy journey called life is the way to help take each next step with grace. Whether it’s reminding them to treat themselves with grace and patience or showing them how to own a room, a graceful baby girl, boy, or gender-neutral name will do the teaching no matter where they are.
Explore Baby Girl and Boy Names That Mean “Grace”
Where does the word “grace” come from?
“Grace” is one of the 7,000 French words that look precisely the same in English. It comes from Old French the late 1100s and was predominantly used to describe something divine occurring. The definition held many facets even back then, used in situations describing “divine grace or mercy,” “favor,” a “pardon or thanks,” “virtue,” and even “elegance.” However, its Latin counterpart gratia was less religiously inclined, with a definition of “favor, goodwill, or gratitude,” “esteem,” “regard,” and “pleasing quality.” If the “gratitude” portion of that surprised you, consider it as the root words for the Italian grazie and the Spanish gracias.
Why is royalty called “Your Grace?”
Due to the long history of the word “grace” and its association with things divine, it’s also a word commonly used in royal circles. As monarchies commonly rule with the “divine right of kings”—meaning their right to rule is directly from their God—the expected way to address a high-ranking royal historically was with “Your Grace.” This was common throughout Western European history until the ever-so-humble King Henry VIII insisted on the new title of “Your Majesty” to set himself apart from his royal courtiers.
Who are some famous Graces?
It’s somewhat of a chicken-and-egg situation when it comes to the powerful women that hold the name Grace or whether the name Grace set them up for powerful lives. But regardless, there are some badass women that took the name and the word “grace” to heart, making an example of everything a “lady” can do. Way back in the 16th century, a woman—whose name in Irish is Gráinne Ní Mháille—named Grace O’Malley is quite possibly the badass of all badasses. A legendary and real person, Grace O’Malley was a pirate queen known for her ruthless ways and unrelentingly clever wits—and a dalliance with a certain English queen. But even centuries later, the name still holds weight! Take, for instance, more modern women like Grace Jones and, the most famous Grace of all, Grace Kelly. Jones is an actress, supermodel, producer, and singer, known for her cutting-edge appearances and shaping industries one day at a time. Grace Kelly was an American actress and the Princess of Monaco, known for her chic looks and extraordinary class.