What Does the Name Gregory Mean?
Gregory is a boy's name of Greek origin meaning “watchful, vigilant.”
Updated June 2026
| Name | Gregory |
|---|---|
| Gender | male |
| Origin | Greek |
| Meaning | watchful, vigilant |
| Variants | Greg, Gregor, Gregoire, Gregorio, Grigori |
| Popularity | A US top-25 name in the 1950s and 1960s; it has since declined but remains familiar. |
The meaning and origin of Gregory
The name Gregory means “watchful, vigilant” and has Greek origins. From the Greek name Gregorios meaning 'watchful' or 'vigilant,' it was borne by numerous saints and sixteen popes, ensuring its enduring Christian use. It was especially popular in mid-20th-century America.
Variants and related names
Gregory is related to several other names you may recognize: Greg, Gregor, Gregoire, Gregorio, Grigori. These share a common root or are spelling and language variants of the same name.
How popular is the name Gregory?
A US top-25 name in the 1950s and 1960s; it has since declined but remains familiar.
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Open the name generator →Frequently asked questions
What does the name Gregory mean?+
The name Gregory means “watchful, vigilant” and is of Greek origin.
What is the origin of the name Gregory?+
Gregory originates from Greek.
Is Gregory a popular name?+
Yes — see the popularity note above for how Gregory has trended in the US over time.
Gregory by gender
More boy's names
Sources
- Behind the Name — Etymology and history of first names — Behind the Name
- US Social Security Administration — Popular baby names by year — Social Security Administration
- A Dictionary of First Names — Oxford Reference — Oxford University Press