Gregory

Gregory is a common masculine first name and family name. It is derived from the Latin Gregorius, from the late Greek name Gregorios, from gregoros, meaning "watchful, alert."

Related Topics:
First name - Family name - Latin - Greek

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Through folk etymology, the name also became associated with grex and gregis ("flock" and "herd"). The associations with a shepherd who diligently guides his flock is part of the reason that the name has been popular with monks, priests and popes.

Related Topics:
Folk etymology - Shepherd - Monk - Priest - Pope

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There have been 16 popes with the name, starting with Pope Gregory I (Gregory the Great). It is the second-most popular name for popes (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 name in the 1950s and has remained popular since.

Related Topics:
Pope Gregory I - John - Saint - 20th century - Actor - Gregory Peck - 1950s

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Common nicknames are Greg or Gregg.

Related Topics:
Nickname - Greg

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