Gregory (given name)

Pope Gregory I (Gregory the Great)
Pronunciation	/ɡrɛɡəriː/
Gender	Male
Word/name	Greek via Latin
Meaning	watchful, alert
Region of origin	worldwide
Related names	Greg, Gregg, Gregor, Grégoire, Gray, Grigori, Ory, Ari, George, Craig, Graig, McGregor, MacGregor

The masculine first name Gregory derives from the Latin name "Gregorius," which came from the late Greek name "Γρηγόριος" (Grēgorios) meaning "watchful, alert" (derived from Greek "γρηγoρεῖν" "grēgorein" meaning "to watch").

Through folk etymology, the name also became associated with Latin grex (stem greg–) 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 have used the name Gregorius, starting with Pope Gregory I (Gregory the Great). It is the second-most popular name for pope, after . 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 names in the 1950s and has remained popular since.}

The Roman Catholic Church traditionally held the feast of Saint Gregory (the Great) on March 12, but changed it to September 3 in 1969. March 12 remains the name day for Gregory in most countries.