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Gregory (given name)

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Gregory
GenderMale
Origin
Word/nameGreek via Latin
MeaningWatchful, Alert
Region of originworldwide
Other names
Related namesGreg, Gregg, Gregor, Grigori, MacGregor, McGregor
For the car manufacturer, see Gregory (car manufacturer).
For people with the surname Gregory, see Gregory (surname).


Gregory is a common masculine first name and family name. It is derived from the Latin name "Gregorius," which was from the late Greek name "Γρηγόριος" (Grēgorios) meaning "watchful" (derived from Greek "grēgorein" meaning "to watch").[1]


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.


The feast of Saint Gregory (the Great) was traditionally held on 12th March, until it was changed in the 1960s. As such, the 12th March remains the Name Day in most countries for those named Gregory or Gregg.


Translations

People

Religious leaders

Popes

Other people

For Gregory as surname, see Gregory (surname)

Fictional characters

Places

Songs about Gregory

References

  1. ^ MFnames.com - Origin and Meaning of Gregory
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