Gregory Boy
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)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
CA | 54 | |
TX | 44 | |
GA | 36 | |
FL | 34 | |
NY | 34 | |
NC | 25 | |
OH | 23 | |
MI | 18 | |
PA | 18 | |
IL | 16 | |
AL | 14 | |
IN | 14 | |
MD | 12 | |
MO | 12 | |
MS | 11 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1880 | 5 |
1881 | 6 |
1884 | 5 |
1885 | 5 |
1886 | 7 |
1888 | 5 |
1889 | 6 |
1890 | 12 |
1892 | 9 |
1893 | 9 |
1894 | 10 |
1895 | 9 |
1896 | 10 |
1897 | 8 |
1898 | 14 |
1899 | 11 |
1900 | 12 |
1901 | 16 |
1902 | 10 |
1903 | 10 |
1904 | 16 |
1905 | 13 |
1906 | 16 |
1907 | 21 |
1908 | 26 |
1909 | 26 |
1910 | 25 |
1911 | 36 |
1912 | 65 |
1913 | 85 |
1914 | 107 |
1915 | 135 |
1916 | 144 |
1917 | 158 |
1918 | 175 |
1919 | 163 |
1920 | 179 |
1921 | 184 |
1922 | 220 |
1923 | 191 |
1924 | 226 |
1925 | 212 |
1926 | 243 |
1927 | 241 |
1928 | 260 |
1929 | 237 |
1930 | 248 |
1931 | 255 |
1932 | 283 |
1933 | 254 |
1934 | 329 |
1935 | 368 |
1936 | 393 |
1937 | 507 |
1938 | 536 |
1939 | 596 |
1940 | 756 |
1941 | 824 |
1942 | 1,027 |
1943 | 1,134 |
1944 | 1,305 |
1945 | 2,474 |
1946 | 5,672 |
1947 | 9,327 |
1948 | 9,724 |
1949 | 10,979 |
1950 | 13,311 |
1951 | 14,103 |
1952 | 15,190 |
1953 | 16,160 |
1954 | 17,624 |
1955 | 19,815 |
1956 | 21,081 |
1957 | 21,475 |
1958 | 19,809 |
1959 | 19,885 |
1960 | 20,302 |
1961 | 21,360 |
1962 | 21,971 |
1963 | 21,420 |
1964 | 19,885 |
1965 | 18,205 |
1966 | 17,006 |
1967 | 15,776 |
1968 | 15,394 |
1969 | 16,171 |
1970 | 16,287 |
1971 | 14,762 |
1972 | 13,059 |
1973 | 11,673 |
1974 | 10,829 |
1975 | 10,399 |
1976 | 10,061 |
1977 | 10,053 |
1978 | 9,342 |
1979 | 9,108 |
1980 | 9,268 |
1981 | 8,758 |
1982 | 10,146 |
1983 | 9,982 |
1984 | 9,687 |
1985 | 9,769 |
1986 | 9,533 |
1987 | 9,136 |
1988 | 8,631 |
1989 | 8,758 |
1990 | 8,377 |
1991 | 7,554 |
1992 | 6,498 |
1993 | 5,807 |
1994 | 5,136 |
1995 | 4,442 |
1996 | 3,994 |
1997 | 3,802 |
1998 | 3,429 |
1999 | 3,048 |
2000 | 2,839 |
2001 | 2,478 |
2002 | 2,279 |
2003 | 2,109 |
2004 | 1,968 |
2005 | 1,903 |
2006 | 1,833 |
2007 | 1,679 |
2008 | 1,559 |
2009 | 1,426 |
2010 | 1,287 |
2011 | 1,265 |
2012 | 1,231 |
2013 | 1,181 |
2014 | 1,110 |
2015 | 987 |
2016 | 926 |
2017 | 890 |
2018 | 787 |
2019 | 805 |
2020 | 686 |
2021 | 607 |
2022 | 616 |
2023 | 556 |
2024 | 553 |