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.
Based on the statistics provided, it appears that the name Gregory was quite popular for newborn boys at one point but has significantly decreased in popularity over time. The peak years seem to be around the late 1940s and early 1950s, with nearly 25,000 births recorded each year between 1947 and 1956 inclusive. However, by the turn of the century, this number had decreased dramatically to fewer than 3,000 births per year. The most recent data from 2022 shows only 554 boys named Gregory were born that year. This decline in popularity mirrors a general trend seen with many traditional names over time as parents tend to opt for more unique or modern options.