Gregory is a name of Greek origin that means "vigilant" or "watchful". It is derived from the Greek word "gregoria", which means "wide awake". The name Gregory has been popular throughout history, particularly in the Christian world due to its association with Saint Gregory the Great, who was a pope and a saint in the sixth century.
The name Gregory first became widespread during the Middle Ages in Europe, where it was often given to boys born into wealthy or powerful families. Over time, however, it became more commonly used among people of all backgrounds.
Some famous people named Gregory include Gregory Peck, an American actor known for his roles in films such as "To Kill a Mockingbird" and "The Guns of Navarone"; Gregory Hines, an African-American tap dancer and actor who won a Tony Award for his performance in the Broadway musical "Jelly's Last Jam"; and Gregory Chivers, an English historian and author of several books on medieval history.
Today, the name Gregory remains popular around the world, particularly in English-speaking countries. It is often shortened to variations such as Greg or Gregg, but it can also be used as a middle name or given as a family name. Despite its long history, however, the name Gregory still feels modern and relevant, perhaps because of its strong meaning and its association with some of history's greatest figures.
The name Gregory has had a fascinating journey in terms of popularity over the years in the United States. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was relatively uncommon, with fewer than 15 births per year between 1880 and 1934.
However, starting from 1934, there was a significant increase in the number of babies named Gregory. That year alone saw 329 births, marking the beginning of a consistent rise in popularity for this name. This trend continued throughout the 1930s and 1940s, with peaks reaching as high as 536 births in 1938 and 756 births in 1940.
The post-World War II era brought an unprecedented boom in the popularity of the name Gregory. The years between 1945 and 1952 saw a remarkable surge, with over 14,000 births each year. The peak was reached in 1952, with 15,190 births.
Interestingly, despite this significant spike in popularity, the name Gregory never quite topped the charts as one of the most popular names during these years. It consistently ranked among the top 20-30 names for boys.
After 1952, there was a gradual decline in the popularity of the name Gregory. However, it remained popular throughout the 1960s and early 1970s, with over 10,000 births each year until 1976.
From the mid-1970s onwards, there was a steady decrease in the number of babies named Gregory. By the late 1980s and early 1990s, it had fallen out of the top 100 most popular names for boys. This trend continued throughout the 1990s and into the new millennium.
In recent years, the name Gregory has seen a slight resurgence in popularity, although it still remains relatively uncommon compared to its peak decades ago. In 2022, there were 554 births registered with the name Gregory in the United States.
Overall, the name Gregory has had a rich history in terms of popularity over the years. While it may not currently be as popular as it once was, it remains a timeless and classic choice for parents looking to give their child a strong and traditional name.