Names That Mean Watchman

The Greek name of sixteen popes and fifteen saints, the gregarious Gregory became big in the United States with the emergence of admirable actor Gregory Peck (born Eldred) in the late 1940s. From 1950 to 1973, it was in the Top 30, with nickname Greg becoming a Cool Dude name.

Until recently Ward was, like Wally, a Cleaver name, but today's parents are seeing it as a cooler nickname for Edward than Eddie, and are also beginning to use it on its own.

Two prominent literary namesakes make Gregor a somewhat risky choice. On the highbrow side, there's Gregor Samsa, the Kafka character who woke up one day to find himself turned into a cockroach. And then there's Gregor Clegane, one of the most feared and purely evil characters in the world of Game of Thrones.

More dramatic, worldly, and energetic spin on Gregory.

Reko is a Finnish nickname for the Swedish name Greger, which shares roots with Gregory. Reijo is another form seen in Nordic countries.

A creative way to honor a Gregory.

A precursor to the more familiar Gregory, and a Latinization of Greek Gregorios.

Gergő began as a nickname for Gergely, the Hungarian variation of Gregory, but is now a common given name in its own right.