Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Greer
UnisexScottish, Greek· “watchful; from Gregor”
- Meaning
- watchful; from Gregor
- Origin
- Scottish, Greek
- Pronunciation
- GRIHR
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #1,851
- US babies 2025
- 108
- Best rank
- #1,347 (1943)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Greer
Greer is a Scottish and Greek name that is usually said to mean “watchful; from Gregor”.
Scotland gave us Greer, a surname derived from Gregor, the Scottish form of Gregory, which comes from the Greek gregorios, meaning watchful or alert. The surname became a given name in the twentieth century, and it is especially associated with the actress Greer Garson, a major star of classic Hollywood. Greer has a crisp, sophisticated sound and is used for both boys and girls. Related names include Gregor, Greig and Gregory, all from the same Greek root.
Popularity over time
Greer first appears in US Social Security records in 1941. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,347 in 1943, and the most babies received it in 2025, when 108 were named Greer. In 2025, 108 babies were named Greer, and it ranked #1,851 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #2,708 in 1950, #4,805 in 1980, #3,089 in 2000, #3,138 in 2010, and #1,851 in 2025. Of the 3,085 US girls named Greer since records began, 24% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 556 babies.
Other babies' names that peaked around the same time include Kaisyn, Lake, Ori, Kiari, and Issa.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Greer ranked highest in Louisiana, Ohio, and Tennessee.
Gender, sound and spelling
Greer is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 80% of US babies named Greer were girls and 20% were boys.
Greer is usually pronounced GRIHR, with one syllable. It has five letters, starts with G and ends in “-er”.
Middle names for Greer
A few middle names that flow with Greer: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Greer
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Lists that include Greer
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Greer mean?
Greer is a Scottish and Greek name that is usually said to mean “watchful; from Gregor”.
What is the origin of the name Greer?
Greer has Scottish and Greek roots. Scotland gave us Greer, a surname derived from Gregor, the Scottish form of Gregory, which comes from the Greek gregorios, meaning watchful or alert.
Is Greer a popular name?
Not especially. Greer ranked #1,851 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Greer a boy or girl name?
Greer is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 80% of US babies named Greer were girls and 20% were boys.
How do you pronounce Greer?
Greer is usually pronounced GRIHR. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings