Declining since 1985, #593 for boys today.
Popularity of Gregory since 1880
Babies named Gregory per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 39 |
| 1890s | 92 |
| 1900s | 166 |
| 1910s | 1,093 |
| 1920s | 2,193 |
| 1930s | 3,769 |
| 1940s | 43,222 |
| 1950s | 178,457 |
| 1960s | 187,495 |
| 1970s | 115,563 |
| 1980s | 93,655 |
| 1990s | 52,090 |
| 2000s | 20,074 |
| 2010s | 10,471 |
| 2020s | 3,514 |
Meaning & origin
Gregory is a masculine name with a long history, rooted in the Greek word for 'watchful'. In the United States, it has been recorded since at least 1880. The name reached its peak popularity in 1962, and since 1985 it has been on a steady decline. As of 2025, it sits at rank 593, with about 1 in every 3,465 baby boys receiving the name. Its strongest usage in recent years has been in South Carolina, Connecticut, and Arkansas. Despite its decreasing frequency, Gregory remains a familiar classic, associated with reliability and tradition.
Gregory is derived from the Latin Gregorius, which comes from the Greek Gregorios, meaning 'watchful' or 'alert'. The name was popular among early Christians and was borne by several saints, including Saint Gregory the Great, a 6th-century pope who significantly shaped the medieval church. Its use spread throughout Europe in the Middle Ages and became particularly common in English-speaking countries. Gregory saw a resurgence in the United States in the mid-20th century before gradually declining.
Where Gregory is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Gregory” around the world
Where Gregory lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
15
babies in 2024
Ireland
3
babies in 2025
Quebec
6
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Greg, Rory
Sibling names for Gregory
Names that share Gregory's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Cynthia, Patricia, Deborah, Kathleen, Margaret, Belinda, Hilary, Marcia, Monica, Pamela, Tracey, Valerie, Veronica, Agatha, Felecia, Gillian, Jacquline, Janell, Janine, Jonette, Juliann, Justina, Magdalena, Millicent, Patrina, Sharla, Tamarra, Teressa, Ursula, Corissa, Deedra, Gerrie, Lauralee, Laurene, Leeanne, Pamelia, Pamella, Pricilla, Sabrena, Sherrell, Tamatha, Anastazia, Anglia, Celinda, Charlynn, Cyndee, Cyntia, Dorethea, Gaylynn, Genice, Hilarie, Jacqualyn, Janalyn, Jenene, Karianne, Kellene, Letecia, Lizanne, Maurica, Natarsha, Priscella, Sherine, Sherrilyn, Tamitha, Terrilynn, Arlicia, Capricia, Ceceilia, Cherina, Cynethia, Detria, Eusebia, Glorianne, Jennice, Karelyn, Katricia, Katrisha, Lynanne, Magdelena, Magdelyn, Moranda, Sharis, Sinthia, Terrianne, Terrisa, Valaree, Valori, Cherisa, Cynthya, Macrina, Maryori, Armenia, Basilia, Belenda, Benedicta, Jilliane, Jorita, Julanne, Kimetha, Kristiann, Loucinda, Pamelyn, Rhondalyn
Brothers: Jeffrey, Douglas, Timothy, Stephen, Kenneth, Dwight, Gerard, Randall, Rodney, Ambrose, Cyril, Geremy, Sylvester, Anthoney, Benedict, Agustine, Alphonsus, Jeromey, Leandrew, Sevastian, Dereke, Gregrey, Mansfield, Athanasius, Geron, Hilery
Names like Gregory
Names whose popularity has moved with Gregory's over the last 50 years.
