Gregory (given name)


The masculine first name Gregory derives from the Latin name "Gregorius", which came from the late Greek name "Γρηγόριος" meaning "watchful, alert".
Through folk etymology, the name also became associated with Latin grex meaning "flock" or "herd". This association with a shepherd who diligently guides his flock contributed to the name's popularity among monks and popes.
Sixteen popes and two antipopes have used the name Gregorius, starting with Pope Gregory I. It is tied with Benedict as the second-most popular name for popes, after John.
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 names in the United States in the 1950s and has remained popular since.

Name days

The Roman Catholic Church traditionally held the feast of Saint Gregory on March 12, but changed it to September 3 in 1969. March 12 remains the name day for Gregory in most countries.
Gregory the Theologian is one of the Three Hierarchs. The other two are Basil the Great, also known as Basil of Caesarea and John Chrysostom.
All three have separate feast days in January: Basil on January 1, Gregory on January 25, and Chrysostom on January 27.

Forms in different languages

Religious figures