Gregory

Pronunciation: [ gr-EHG-er-ee ]

Boy Name #538 Most Popular Steady 3 Syllables

A papal classic meaning 'ever watchful'

English Greek Roman Catholic Eastern Orthodox

Classic Traditional Strong Sophisticated Vintage

Meaning & Origin

"watchful, vigilant, alert"

Origin: Greek

Language: Greek

"ever awake"

Origin: Latin

Language: Latin

The Story of Gregory

Gregory derives from the Latin Gregorius, which came from the Greek Gregorios, built on the root 'gregorein' meaning 'to be awake, to be watchful'. The name entered widespread use through early Christian saints and popes, most notably Pope Gregory I (the Great), who became one of the most influential figures in Church history and whose name became synonymous with vigilance and wisdom.

Gregory was a top-10 boys' name in the United States from the 1950s through the 1970s, riding the wave of classic names popular in that era. It has declined significantly since the 1980s as parents increasingly sought more distinctive names, but maintains a strong base among families valuing traditional names with deep historical roots.

The name Gregory has been borne by 16 Roman Catholic popes, making it one of the most historically significant papal names. It holds special resonance in Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions, where numerous saints named Gregory are venerated — including Gregory of Nyssa and Gregory the Theologian.

Fun Facts

16 Roman Catholic popes have taken the name Gregory
Pope Gregory I reformed church music, and 'Gregorian chant' is named after him
The Gregorian calendar, still in use today, was introduced in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII

Gregory in Other Languages

Greek Γρηγόριος

French Grégoire

German Gregor

Italian Gregorio

Russian Григорий

Spanish Gregorio

Famous People Named Gregory

Gregory Hines

Entertainer

1946

American tap dancer, choreographer, and actor known for his extraordinary dancing talent

Gregory Peck

Actor

1916

Academy Award-winning American actor, iconic for his role as Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird

Gregory House Fictional

Other

Brilliant but misanthropic doctor played by Hugh Laurie in the TV series House M.D.

Quick Facts

Gender: Boy
Syllables: 3
Popularity Rank: #538
Total SSA Count: 553
Cultural Origins: English Greek Roman Catholic Eastern Orthodox
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Formal
Cross-Cultural Ease: High

Alternative Spellings

Gregorio #2656 Greg #4526

Common Nicknames

Greg

Pairs Well With

Gregory James Gregory Thomas Gregory Michael Gregory William Gregory Alexander Gregory Paul

Sibling Names

Catherine Elizabeth Margaret Thomas Nicholas Patricia

Also a Girl Name

Gregory is also used as a girl name, ranked #66833.

View Gregory as a girl name →

Similar Names

George Gregorio Craig Jeffrey Jeffery

Playground Safety

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Frequently Asked Questions About Gregory

What does the name Gregory mean?

"watchful, vigilant, alert" (from Greek). "ever awake" (from Latin). Gregory derives from the Latin Gregorius, which came from the Greek Gregorios, built on the root 'gregorein' meaning 'to be awake, to be watchful'. The name entered widespread use through early Christian saints and popes, most notably Pope Gregory I (the Great), who became one of the most influential figures in Church history and whose name became synonymous with vigilance and wisdom.

What is the origin of the name Gregory?

Gregory has Greek, Latin, English, Roman Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox origins. In Greek, it means "watchful, vigilant, alert". In Latin, it means "ever awake".

Is Gregory a boy or girl name?

Gregory is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #538. As a girl name, it is ranked #66833. Gregory is more commonly used as a boy name.

How do you pronounce Gregory?

Gregory is pronounced gr-EHG-er-ee.

How popular is the name Gregory?

Gregory is currently ranked #538 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Gregory?

Common nicknames for Gregory include Greg.

What are good middle names for Gregory?

Popular middle name pairings include Gregory James, Gregory Thomas, Gregory Michael, Gregory William, Gregory Alexander, and Gregory Paul.

What are good sibling names for Gregory?

Names that pair well with Gregory as siblings include Catherine, Elizabeth, Margaret, Thomas, Nicholas, and Patricia.

How many syllables does Gregory have?

Gregory has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.

Is Gregory a common or rare name?

Gregory is moderately common, ranked #538 for boys in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.

About the Name Gregory

Gregory is a boy name with English, Greek, Roman Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox origins . The name means "watchful, vigilant, alert" in Greek .

Is Gregory a boy or girl name? Gregory is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #538 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #66,833. Gregory is more commonly used as a boy name.

Gregory is currently ranked #538 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Gregory has 3 syllables and is pronounced gr-EHG-er-ee, making it distinctive and memorable.

Common nicknames for Gregory include Greg. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

Alternative spellings of Gregory include Gregorio, Greg . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.