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Gregory

♂ Boy

Pronounced GREG-or-ee /ˈɡrɛɡ.ər.i/High

Meaning: From the Late Latin Gregorius, derived from Greek Gregorios, from gregoreo meaning 'to be awake,' 'to be alert,' or 'to watch'High

In 30 seconds: Gregory means 'watchful' — a name borne by 16 popes, multiple saints, and generations of scholars. A pillar of Catholic naming tradition, it is warm, reliable, and quietly enduring.

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Origin HighGreek

MeaningFrom the Late Latin Gregorius, derived from Greek Gregorios, from gregoreo meaning 'to be awake,' 'to be alert,' or 'to watch'

U.S. rank (2025)#593 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births493 boys (0.03% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1962

Total births (all-time)≈ 711,898

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Gregory derives from Greek Gregorios, from the verb gregorein meaning 'to be awake' or 'to be vigilant.' The name entered Latin as Gregorius and spread throughout the Christian world through the enormous influence of early Church figures, most notably Pope Gregory I (the Great), whose impact on Western Christianity, liturgy, and culture was incalculable.

Gregory was among the most common names in medieval Catholic Europe, borne by 16 popes. It entered English use after the Norman Conquest and peaked in U.S. popularity in the 1950s–1970s. Today it reads as a solid, trustworthy classic — neither flashy nor forgotten — carried by bearers from Gregory Peck to Greg Maddux.

Did you know? Gregory the Great (Pope Gregory I, 540–604 AD) reformed Western church music, instituted Gregorian chant, and sent Augustine to convert England — one of the most consequential decisions in European history — making Gregory arguably the most geopolitically influential bearer of any pope's name.

Overall data confidence 97%

Behind the Name — Gregory — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

GregGreggGregorGregoire

Nicknames

Greg

Famous Bearers

★Pope Gregory I (the Great) (c. 540–604)
Pope who reformed Western Christianity, established Gregorian chant, and converted England to Christianity.
★Gregory Peck (1916–2003)
American actor, Academy Award winner for To Kill a Mockingbird.

If you like Gregory…

Gerald— classic English three-syllable boys' name from the same Norman-era vintage

George— Greek-origin saint's name with the same enduring Catholic-tradition pedigree

Geoffrey— Norman-era boys' classic with the same solid, reliable generational feel

Gabriel— three-syllable biblical name with the same deep Catholic heritage and steady use

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Gregory mean?

Gregory comes from the Greek gregorios meaning 'to be awake' or 'watchful,' conveying vigilance and alertness.

How do you pronounce Gregory?

It is said GREG-or-ee — three syllables with stress on the first.

Is Gregory a boy or girl name?

Gregory is used almost exclusively as a boys' name; the rare feminine form is Gregoria or Gregoire.

How popular is Gregory?

Gregory was a top-20 boys' name in the U.S. in the 1950s–1970s and remains in steady use today, ranking in the top 400.