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Gregory Boy

Popularity: #471 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationGREG-uh-ree / /ˈɡrɛɡəri/

Greek; Latin

Meaning

Greek: watchful; vigilant; Latin: one who is watchful

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Gregory is derived from the Latin name "Gregorius," which in turn comes from the Greek "Gregorios," meaning "watchful" or "vigilant." The Greek root "gregorein" translates to "to be awake" or "to watch." This etymological journey reflects a linguistic evolution from Greek to Latin and then into Old French before being adopted into Middle English as "Gregory." The name has been used in various forms across different cultures, maintaining its core meaning related to vigilance and attentiveness.

Historically, the name Gregory is notably associated with several significant figures, most prominently Saint Gregory the Great, who served as Pope from 590 to 604 AD. He is recognized for his contributions to the Church, including the development of the Gregorian chant, which has had a lasting impact on Western music. The name also appears in various historical texts and translations, including the Vulgate, the Latin version of the Bible, which was completed in the late 4th century. Gregory has been borne by numerous saints and popes throughout the centuries, further solidifying its prominence in Christian tradition.

Culturally, the name Gregory has been embraced in various traditions, often symbolizing leadership and moral integrity due to its association with influential religious figures. In addition to its ecclesiastical significance, the name has been used in literature and art, reinforcing its resonance in Western culture. The diminutive form "Greg" has also emerged as a familiar variant, though it is less historically significant than its full form. Overall, the name Gregory carries a rich historical and cultural legacy, reflecting themes of vigilance and leadership.

Trend Summary

Gregory has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, peaking in the mid-20th century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Greg
  • Grego
  • Gregory

International Variants

  • Gregorio (Italian)
  • Grégoire (French)
  • Gregorius (Latin)
  • Giorgio (Italian)

Famous people named Gregory

Gregory Peck is an actor best known for To Kill a Mockingbird, Roman Holiday, and The Guns of Navarone.

Gregory Hines was a dancer and actor best known for Tap, White Nights, and The Cotton Club.

Gregory Porter is a jazz singer and songwriter best known for Liquid Spirit, Take Me to the Alley, and All Rise.

Gregory Isaacs was a reggae musician best known for Night Nurse, Cool Ruler, and More Gregory.

Gregory Smith is an actor best known for Everwood, The Patriot, and The Amazing Race.

Gregory House is a fictional character and the protagonist of the television series House, M.D.

Fictional characters named Gregory

Gregory House is a fictional character from the TV series House. He is a brilliant but misanthropic doctor who leads a team of diagnosticians at a hospital.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Gregory was first seen in the United States in 1880. Gregory has ranked as high as #32 nationally, which occurred in 1962, and has been most popular in California, New York, Ohio, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. In the past 5 years the name Gregory has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Gregory (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 54
11%
TX 44
9%
GA 36
7%
FL 34
7%
NY 34
7%
NC 25
5%
OH 23
5%
MI 18
4%
PA 18
4%
IL 16
3%
AL 14
3%
IN 14
3%
MD 12
2%
MO 12
2%
MS 11
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18805
18816
18845
18855
18867
18885
18896
189012
18929
18939
189410
18959
189610
18978
189814
189911
190012
190116
190210
190310
190416
190513
190616
190721
190826
190926
191025
191136
191265
191385
1914107
1915135
1916144
1917158
1918175
1919163
1920179
1921184
1922220
1923191
1924226
1925212
1926243
1927241
1928260
1929237
1930248
1931255
1932283
1933254
1934329
1935368
1936393
1937507
1938536
1939596
1940756
1941824
19421,027
19431,134
19441,305
19452,474
19465,672
19479,327
19489,724
194910,979
195013,311
195114,103
195215,190
195316,160
195417,624
195519,815
195621,081
195721,475
195819,809
195919,885
196020,302
196121,360
196221,971
196321,420
196419,885
196518,205
196617,006
196715,776
196815,394
196916,171
197016,287
197114,762
197213,059
197311,673
197410,829
197510,399
197610,061
197710,053
19789,342
19799,108
19809,268
19818,758
198210,146
19839,982
19849,687
19859,769
19869,533
19879,136
19888,631
19898,758
19908,377
19917,554
19926,498
19935,807
19945,136
19954,442
19963,994
19973,802
19983,429
19993,048
20002,839
20012,478
20022,279
20032,109
20041,968
20051,903
20061,833
20071,679
20081,559
20091,426
20101,287
20111,265
20121,231
20131,181
20141,110
2015987
2016926
2017890
2018787
2019805
2020686
2021607
2022616
2023556
2024553