Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
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.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈɡrɛɡəri/
Origin
Greek
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'.
Meaning
vigilant, watchful
Language Evolution
Gregorios (Greek), Gregorius (Latin), Gregory (Old French), Gregory (Middle English)
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.
Variants & Derivatives
Greg, Graham, Grego, Garry
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.
Famous People
Pope Gregory I, Gregory Peck, Gregory Hines, Gregory Maguire
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 22,058 peak births in 1962
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in District of Columbia
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (8 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 8 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
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
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 by Generation - 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 by Generation - 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
This map shows relative popularity 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.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in District of Columbia 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, usage 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, popularity patterns vary significantly: 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. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.