Gregory (given name)

Gregory

Pope Gregory I (Gregory the Great)
Pronunciation /ɡrɛɡəriː/
Gender Male
Origin
Word/name Greek via Latin
Meaning watchful, alert
Region of origin worldwide
Other names
Related names Greg, Gregg, Gregor, Grégoire, Gray, Grigori, Ory, Ari, George, Craig, Graig, McGregor, MacGregor
Look up Gregory in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

Gregory is a masculine first name. It is derived from the Latin name "Gregorius," which was from the late Greek name "Γρηγόριος" (Grēgorios) meaning "watchful, alert" (derived from Greek "γρηγoρεῖν" "grēgorein" meaning "to watch").

Through folk etymology, the name also became associated with Latin grex (stem greg–) meaning 'flock' or 'herd'. This association with a shepherd who diligently guides his flock contributed to the name's popularity among monks 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, 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.

Name days

The Roman Catholic Church traditionally held the feast of Saint Gregory (the Great) on March 12, but changed it to September 3 in 1969. March 12 remains the name day for Gregory in most countries. Also saint Gregory.

Forms in different languages

People

Religious leaders

Popes

Patriarchs

Indian (Malankara) Orthodox Church

Other people

Fictional characters

See also

References

  1. ↑ Prix Enfance du Monde, 1958
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