Last Name Gregory

The surname "Gregory" is of English and Scottish origin. It derives from the medieval personal name "Gregorius," which itself comes from the Greek name "Gregorios," meaning "watchful" or "vigilant." The name was introduced to Britain by the Normans after the Norman Conquest of 1066. Over time, "Gregory" developed into a popular surname and has continued to be fairly common in English-speaking countries.

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Gregory

The Decennial U.S. Census data also sheds light on the ethnic identity associated with the surname Gregory. The majority of the individuals with this surname identified as White, although there was a slight decrease from 80.87% in 2000 to 78.64% in 2010. Those identifying as Black represented the second largest group, with an increase from 14.62% in 2000 to 15.56% in 2010. There were also increases in the percentage of those identifying as Asian/Pacific Islander and Hispanic, up 32.56% and 36.81% respectively. Meanwhile, the proportion of American Indian and Alaskan Natives remained steady at 0.75%, and those identifying with two or more races saw a growth of 31.79% over the decade.

	2000	2010	Change
White	80.87%	78.64%	-2.76%
Black	14.62%	15.56%	6.43%
Hispanic	1.82%	2.49%	36.81%
Two or More Races	1.51%	1.99%	31.79%
American Indian and Alaskan Native	0.75%	0.75%	0%
Asian/Pacific Islander	0.43%	0.57%	32.56%

Gregory ancestry composition

NomOrigine computes an ancestry breakdown for each customer. People may have ancestry from just one population or they may have ancestry from several populations. The most commonly-observed ancestry found in people with the surname Gregory is British & Irish, which comprises 54.2% of all ancestry found in people with the surname. The next two most common ancestries are French & German (20.9%) and Eastern European (4.0%). Additional ancestries include Italian, Scandinavian, Nigerian, Spanish & Portuguese, and Ashkenazi Jewish.

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ANCESTRY BREAKDOWN	COMPOSITION
British & Irish	54.2%
French & German	20.9%
Eastern European	4.0%
Other	20.9%

Your maternal lineage may be linked to Marie Antoinette

Because it is so dominant in the general European population, haplogroup H also appears quite frequently in the continent's royal houses. Marie Antoinette, an Austrian Hapsburg who married into the French royal family, inherited the haplogroup from her maternal ancestors. So did Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, whose recorded genealogy traces his female line to Bavaria. Scientists also discovered that famed 16th century astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus traced his maternal lineages to haplogroup H.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Gregory

The meaning and origin of the last name Gregory

The surname Gregory is derived from the ancient Greek name Gregorios, meaning "vigilant" or "watchful." This name originated from the Greek word "gregorein," which signifies "to be awake" or "to be watchful." It is believed that the name was commonly bestowed upon individuals who possessed a strong sense of duty, awareness, or alertness. The surname Gregory has a significant historical and religious association as well. In Christian tradition, Pope St. Gregory I, also known as Gregory the Great, made notable contributions to the development of the church and influenced medieval European society. This could have contributed to the popularity and spread of the surname across different regions. Today, the surname Gregory can be found in various countries, including England, Scotland, Ireland, and the United States, often signaling a familial connection to individuals who were known for their vigilance or who were descendants of those named after St. Gregory.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gregory

The last name Gregory has a widespread geographical distribution across the world, particularly in English-speaking countries. In the United States, it is one of the most common surnames, with concentrations of the name found in states like Georgia, Texas, and New York. It is also prevalent in other English-speaking countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. In the UK, Gregory is relatively common in areas like London, Manchester, and Birmingham. Additionally, due to colonization and migration, the name can be found in various regions including South Africa, India, and the Caribbean. In Ireland, the name has Gaelic origins, with notable clusters in Dublin and Cork. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Gregory reflects the historical movements and settlements of people with this surname, resulting in its presence in numerous regions worldwide.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gregory

The last name Gregory has several variations and spellings. These variants have evolved over time, reflecting different regional pronunciations and changes in spelling conventions. Some common variations of Gregory include Gregorie, Gregor, Grigoriev, Grigoryan, Gregorius, Gregori, Gregore, and Gregorovitch. These variations can be found across different countries and cultures, such as Russia, Eastern Europe, and England. In addition to these variations, there are also different spellings of the last name, such as Greggory, Griggory, and Grigory. These spellings might have emerged due to transcription errors, anglicization of non-English variations, or personal preference. Overall, the various spellings and variations of the last name Gregory demonstrate the continuous evolution of surnames and the influence of different languages and cultures on individuals and their family names.

Famous people with the last name Gregory

The Gregory name has been carried by various remarkable individuals throughout history across multiple domains. Dorothy Gregory, an accomplished civil rights activist, fought for racial equality during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. Richard Gregory, a renowned British psychologist and expert in visual perception, made significant contributions to the understanding of how humans perceive the world. Actress and singer Jenna Gregory captivated audiences with her breathtaking performances on Broadway, earning critical acclaim and praise for her exceptional talent. Additionally, Dick Gregory, a celebrated comedian, social activist, and author, used humour to tackle racial inequality while advocating for civil rights. Finally, Judith Gregory, a distinguished architect, made a lasting impact on the field through her innovative designs and groundbreaking structures. These individuals bearing the Gregory last name have undoubtedly shaped various spheres of society, leaving behind a lasting legacy.

Genealogical research on the last name Gregory

The last name Gregory is an English surname with a rich genealogical history. It is derived from the Latin personal name "Gregorius," meaning watchful or vigilant. The name first appears in England after the Norman Conquest of 1066, and early instances of the name can be found in various parts of the country. In the Middle Ages, the name Gregory often indicated a connection to the clergy, as it was a popular given name among monks and priests. Over time, the surname spread across the British Isles, acquiring different regional variations and spellings, such as Gregorie, Greggory, and Grigory. Notable individuals with the Gregory surname have emerged throughout history, including Sir Henry Gregory, an Irish explorer, politician, and writer. Today, the surname Gregory can be found worldwide, with significant concentrations in English-speaking countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. Detailed genealogical research can provide further insights into individual branches and the diverse origins of the Gregory name.

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