Meaning and origin
The last name Gregory originates from the medieval English given name "Gregorius," derived from the Latin "Gregorius," which in turn derives from the Greek name "Gregorios." The name ultimately traces its roots back to the Greek word "gregorein," meaning "to watch" or "to be awake." In ancient times, the name gained significant popularity due to its association with early Christian saints, most notably Pope Gregory I, who greatly influenced the development of the medieval Church. Over time, the name Gregorius evolved into various forms across different regions, eventually yielding the surname Gregory.
Surname origins are rarely settled: one spelling can have several sources, and families often took a name for reasons nobody wrote down. Check it against the sources below before you rely on it.
#339
Gregory was the 339th most common surname in the 2010 US Census, with 91,384 people, about 31 in every 100,000.
Who carries it
Where it is found
Countries linked to Gregory.
Surnames like Gregory
Names it is linked with, then names with the same origin and a similar standing.
Check the sources
- Forebears: where Gregory is found around the world
- The Internet Surname Database: a second opinion on the origin
- US Census Bureau: the 2010 surname figures used here
For a name you are serious about, compare the dictionaries: Reaney and Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames; Hanks, Dictionary of American Family Names.