Gregory Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis

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Summary

The name Gregory has its roots in Greek, deriving from the word for 'vigilant' or 'watchful'. It evolved through various languages, maintaining its core meaning throughout history. The name is associated with several saints and has gained significant usage within the Christian context. Its modern perception is one of tradition and respect, and it is borne by many notable individuals.

The name Gregory is most popular in District of Columbia, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Baby Boomers generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been gradually declining. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Gregory has been falling for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, falling for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Gregory' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 440th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 207th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 26th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 26th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 53rd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 180th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 399th out of 23106 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 5597th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1446th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1474th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2691st out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 17803rd out of 35406 names. Discover how the name 'Gregory' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.

Etymology & Cultural Background of "Gregory"

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Pronunciation

/ˈɡrɛɡəri/

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Origin

Greek

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Etymology

The name Gregory is derived from the Greek name 'Gregorios', which comes from the word 'gregorein', meaning 'to be watchful' or 'to be vigilant'.

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Meaning

vigilant, watchful

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Language Evolution

Gregorios (Greek), Gregorius (Latin), Gregory (Old French), Gregory (Middle English)

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Historical Usage

The name Gregory gained popularity in the Christian world due to several saints and popes named Gregory, especially Pope Gregory I, who was known for his contributions to the Church in the 6th century.

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Variants & Derivatives

Greg, Graham, Grego, Garry

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Modern Popularity & Image

Gregory is perceived as a classic and traditional name, often associated with wisdom and leadership. It remains a moderately popular name in various cultures.

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Famous People

Pope Gregory I, Gregory Peck, Gregory Hines, Gregory Maguire

Explore More Gregory Name Visualizations

Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Gregory"

Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.

Yearly Ranking History of "Gregory"

"Gregory" Popularity Across American Generations

Generation Gender Rank Total Names
G.I. Generation (1901-1927) Boy 440th of 7545 2,943
Silent Generation (1928-1945) Boy 207th of 6773 11,786
Baby Boomers (1946-1964) Boy 26th of 7552 319,093
Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) Boy 26th of 10718 207,393
Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) Boy 53rd of 16616 126,208
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) Boy 180th of 24088 34,135
Generation Alpha (2013-2024) Boy 399th of 23106 9,704
Silent Generation (1928-1945) Girl 5597th of 9204 39
Baby Boomers (1946-1964) Girl 1446th of 12526 988
Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) Girl 1474th of 19264 1,117
Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) Girl 2691st of 27321 664
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) Girl 17803rd of 35406 53

Regional Popularity of "Gregory" by Generation for Male Names

TOP(%) MidWest Northeast South West
G.I. Generation
(1901-1927)
24.01%
340th/1416
20.59%
284th/1379
46.15%
1092nd/2366
33.36%
381st/1142
Silent Generation
(1928-1945)
10.74%
166th/1546
8.61%
134th/1556
19.42%
457th/2353
10.86%
168th/1547
Baby Boomers
(1946-1964)
1.03%
23rd/2227
1.36%
33rd/2430
0.98%
28th/2853
0.79%
22nd/2775
Generation X (Gen X)
(1965-1980)
0.99%
29th/2937
0.86%
30th/3483
0.68%
24th/3518
0.79%
32nd/4044
Millennials (Gen Y)
(1981-1996)
1.47%
54th/3685
0.87%
39th/4475
0.98%
51st/5194
1.03%
65th/6317
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers)
(1997-2012)
4.10%
188th/4582
2.42%
125th/5164
2.23%
163rd/7313
3.32%
248th/7463
Generation Alpha
(2013-2024)
10.42%
415th/3984
7.38%
331st/4487
5.51%
376th/6822
7.57%
475th/6276

Regional Popularity of "Gregory" by Generation for Female Names

TOP(%) MidWest Northeast South West
G.I. Generation
(1901-1927)
- - - -
Silent Generation
(1928-1945)
- - - -
Baby Boomers
(1946-1964)
53.84%
1199th/2227
62.06%
1508th/2430
52.82%
1507th/2853
55.39%
1537th/2775
Generation X (Gen X)
(1965-1980)
53.66%
1576th/2937
49.78%
1734th/3483
50.09%
1762nd/3518
44.44%
1797th/4044
Millennials (Gen Y)
(1981-1996)
60.49%
2229th/3685
59.20%
2649th/4475
53.60%
2784th/5194
43.80%
2767th/6317
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers)
(1997-2012)
- - - -
Generation Alpha
(2013-2024)
- - - -

State-by-State Popularity of "Gregory"

This map shows the relative popularity of "Gregory" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.