Gregory

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Gregory
Given Name

Gender Male
Meaning watchful, alert
Region of Origin worldwide
Origin Latin, Greek
Related names Greg, Gregg, Gregor
Wikipedia articles All pages beginning with Gregory
Look up Gregory in
Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

Gregory is a common masculine first name and family name. It is derived from the Latin "Gregorius," which was from the late Greek name "Γρηγόριος" (Gregorios), which was derived from "γήγορος" (gegoros) meaning "watchful, alert". Through folk etymology, the name also became associated with grex and gregis ("flock" and "herd"). The associations with a shepherd who diligently guides his flock is part of the reason that the name has been popular with monks, priest and popes There have been 16 popes with the name, starting with Pope Gregory I (Gregory the Great). It is the second-most popular name for pope, along with Benedict, after John. Because of this background, it is also a very common name for saints. Although the name was uncommon in the early 20th century, after the popularity of the actor Gregory Peck it became one of the ten most common male names in the 1950s and has remained popular since.

Common nicknames are Greg, Greggy, or Gregor.

In its Latin form (Grigorius or Gregorius) it was the name of several saints and 16 popes. Grigor is also a surname of Scottish origin. It is derived from MacGregor, that name being banned in Scotland in 1603 under King James VI. Accordingly, people had to change it to other variations, or to a completely new name altogether. "Gregor" is also the surname of a distinguished Cornish family.

Contents

[edit] Translations

GREGORY DON'T

[edit] People

[edit] Religious leaders

[edit] Popes

[edit] Other people

For Gregory as surname, see Gregory (surname)

[edit] Fictional characters

Gregory Zwoerner

[edit] Others