Meaning: Its source is an English expression meaning "Love and protection of God, unmerited favor."

Narrative: This name denotes both divine favor and physical elegance. The Three Graces of ancient Greek mythology (Aglaia, Euphrosyne and Thalia) embodied the connection between seen and unseen beauty.

Christians adopted the name (originally in its Latin form, Gratia) because they felt it expressed a specifically Christian idea of one's relationship to God. Seventeenth-century Puritans introduced the English version of the name with this in mind.

American actress Grace Kelly (1929-1982) gave a more secular and contemporary boost to the name, especially after she married into Monaco's ruling family and became Princess Grace in 1956.