The name Gregg is of English origin and is a variant form of the given name Gregory. It means "vigilant" or "alert," which reflects the meaning of its root word, "gregoria." This term comes from the Late Latin word "gregorian," which was derived from the word "grex," meaning "flock."
The name Gregg has been used in English-speaking countries for several centuries. It gained popularity during the Victorian era when many names were shortened or altered to create unique monikers. However, unlike its longer form Gregory, Gregg is not directly associated with any particular saint or religious figure.
Throughout history, there have been various notable individuals named Gregg. One famous example is American screenwriter Gregg Toland, who was known for his innovative use of lighting techniques in classic films like "Citizen Kane" and "The Long Voyage Home." Another notable figure is English footballer Gregg Blundell, who played as a defender for several professional clubs during the 1980s and 1990s.
In literature and popular culture, characters named Gregg can be found in various works. For instance, Gregg Smith is a character in the novel "The Horse Whisperer" by Nicholas Evans, while Greg "G-Man" Grimm is a protagonist in the comic book series "The Boys" created by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson.
Overall, the name Gregg has a straightforward and approachable sound that makes it appealing to many people. Its meaning, derived from ancient Latin roots, adds depth and historical significance to this popular English given name.
The name Gregg has had a varied history of popularity in the United States over the past century. According to the statistics provided, it appears that the name's popularity peaked in the mid-20th century.
In the early years, from 1881 to 1927, there were relatively few births with the name Gregg each year, ranging from as low as five births in 1881 to a peak of 18 births in 1927. However, starting in the 1930s, we begin to see a significant increase in the number of births registered with the name Gregg.
The highest point of popularity for the name Gregg was reached in 1956, with 1437 births that year. This marked a significant increase from previous years and indicated that the name was quite popular during this time period. In fact, the years surrounding 1956 also saw high numbers of births with the name Gregg, suggesting that it remained popular throughout much of the mid-20th century.
However, after reaching its peak in the mid-1950s, the popularity of the name Gregg began to decline steadily. By the late 1970s and early 1980s, the number of births with the name Gregg had dropped significantly, with fewer than 350 births per year recorded.
This trend continued throughout the remainder of the century and into the 21st century, with the number of births with the name Gregg remaining relatively low. In recent years, the name has become even less common, with fewer than 20 births registered each year since 2014.
Overall, while the name Gregg was quite popular in the mid-20th century, its popularity has declined significantly in recent decades. Despite this decline, it is still possible to find individuals named Gregg throughout the United States today.