The Gregory Family History

What Does the Gregory Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname Gregory has its roots in English, Portuguese, and German cultures, deriving from the personal name Gregory. This name traces back to the Greek term ‘gregarious’ and its derivative ‘Gregorian,’ both of which imply a state of vigilance and alertness. In Latin, the term ‘gregarious’ denoted a proficient shepherd tending to his flock. Variants of the name Gregory include Gregorey and Gregorie. The origins of the Gregory families can be traced to the Leicestershire area in England, although many have migrated to regions such as Lancashire, Yorkshire, Cheshire, Derbyshire, and the metropolitan area of London. In Scotland, a significant number of Gregory families reside, predominantly in the eastern and central-southern regions, particularly in the counties of Midlothian, Fife, Lanarkshire, and Angus. Within the United States, the Gregory surname is primarily found in states such as California, Washington, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, Texas, North Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, and New York. Notable individuals sharing this surname include David Gregory, a television journalist; James Gregory, a 17th-century Scottish astronomer and mathematician; William G. Gregory, a U. astronaut; Ross Gerald Gregory, an Australian cricketer; Lee Gregory, a professional baseball player; Masten Gregory, a race car driver; Frederick Drew Gregory, another U. astronaut; and Donna Gregory, a television reporter, news anchor, and producer.