Gregory
/ˈɡɹɛɡ.ə.ɹi/
Gregory comes from the Latin Gregorius, from Greek Gregorios, derived from gregorein meaning “to be awake,” “to be alert,” or “to watch.”
16 popes have borne the name Gregory, making it one of the most papally significant names in Catholic history.
Gregory the Great (540-604 AD) was among the most influential—the man who sent Augustine to England and established the Gregorian calendar reform that bears his name.
What the name Gregory means
Gregory peaked at No. 21 in 1962 with 21,971 births. In 2024 it sits at No. 539 with 553 births, far below its mid-century peak.
Gregory Peck, the actor who played Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird (1962), represented the name at its cultural zenith. His dignified screen presence perfectly matched the name’s watchful, considered quality.
Four syllables—GREG-or-ee—are easy across all English dialects. Short form Greg was so common by the 1970s that the full name is now slightly more formal-feeling.
As a name that belonged to the Silent Generation and Boomers, Gregory is now seeing the early signs of cyclical revival. Parents looking for a serious, under-used classic find it increasingly appealing.
The Gregorian chant, the Gregorian calendar, and 16 popes mean the name carries more historical weight than almost any other common English given name.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Gregory
Gregory - similar names
Not seeing what you want? Browse all names by origin or popularity