GREGORY
Gregory
Gregory is a British surname derived from the medieval personal name Gregorius, which has its roots in the Latin name Gregorios. The name is of ancient Roman origin and was introduced to Britain by the Roman legions. It is believed to have been first used as a surname in the 12th century.
Origin
The surname Gregory can be traced back to the Latin word gregorius, meaning "watchful" or "vigilant". It was a popular name among early Christians in honor of Pope Gregory I, also known as Saint Gregory the Great, who played a significant role in the development of the Christian church.
Distribution
The Gregory surname is widely distributed throughout the United Kingdom, with concentrations in regions such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and London. It is also a common surname in other English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Notable People
Several notable individuals have borne the surname Gregory, including:
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Pope Gregory I: Also known as Gregory the Great, he was a significant figure in Christian history and served as the Pope of the Catholic Church from 590 to 604.
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John Gregory: An 18th-century Scottish physician and moralist known for his work on medical ethics and his influential role in the Scottish Enlightenment.
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Dick Gregory: An American comedian, civil rights activist, and social critic known for his satirical wit and advocacy for racial equality.
Variants
Variants of the Gregory surname include Gregorie, Gregor, McGregor, and Grigoriev, among others, reflecting the diverse ways in which the name has evolved and been adapted over time.
In conclusion, the surname Gregory carries a rich history and legacy, with its origins in ancient Rome and its presence felt across generations in various parts of the world.
There are approximately 41,551 people named Gregory in the UK. That makes it the 176th most common surname in Britain. Around 638 in a million people in Britain are named Gregory.
Surname type: From given name or forename
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
Female
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Jane
- Joanne
- Julie
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Gregson
- Grigson
- Griggs
- Grier
- Greig
- Grix
- Greer
- Grear
- Greager
- Grager
- Cregory
- Gregorson
- Greagory
- Gragory
- Gregroy
- Gergory
- Gregor
- Carcary
- Corkerry
- Corkery
- Corkrey
- Gargary
- Graiger
- Greagry
- Gregar
- Gregary
- Gregeory
- Greger
- Gregg
- Greggery
- Greggor
- Greggory
- Gregoire
- Gregorace
- Gregore
- Gregorek
- Gregorelli
- Gregorey
- Gregorg
- Gregori
- Gregoria
- Gregoriades
- Gregoriadis
- Gregorian
- Gregorians
- Gregoric
- Gregorich
- Gregorick
- Gregorie
- Gregorig
- Gregorio
- Gregoriou
- Gregorious
- Gregoris
- Gregorius
- Gregorn
- Gregorry
- Gregors
- Gregrey
- Gregry
- Greguric
- Greiger
- Greogory
- Greogry
- Grery
- Grieger
- Griggory
- Grigorey
- Grigory
- Grory
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.