Gregor
A Scottish surname linked to the personal name Gregor and, in some families, to the old Clan Gregor or MacGregor line.
The #7,915 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 73,863 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Gregor is generally treated as a surname from the given name Gregor, itself ultimately from Greek Gregorios, meaning “watchful” or “alert.” In Scottish usage, the name is also closely tied to MacGregor, “son of Gregor,” and some bearers likely shortened or altered MacGregor to Gregor. One older source also suggests a Gaelic byname connected with a herdsman, but that explanation is less securely established than the derivation from the personal name.
History
The surname is especially associated with Scotland and the Clan Gregor. Historical sources note that, after the clan was proscribed in the 17th century, some members adopted other surnames such as Gregory, Greig, Greer, or Gregor. The name also appears in medieval records as a personal-name patronymic, showing that it was in use well before those later clan changes.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
One historical dictionary notes that some MacGregor families changed their name to Gregory or Gregor during periods when the clan name was officially banned.
From the historical record
“herdsman. GREGOR. (Gaelic.) From Greigh a herd (Latin Grex), and fear a man, a herdsman. In the Cornish British Gryger or Gruffer signifies a partridge. OF FAMILY NAMES. 147 GREGORY. From the Greek Tpfyopos, watchftL. It may be derived from Greg or, as some of the Clan M'Gregor changed their name to Gregory, when…”
— An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names