Greer is a unisex given name of Scottish origin, ultimately derived from a Scottish surname that originated as a variant of MacGregor, meaning 'son of Gregor.' The name Gregor is itself a Scottish form of Gregory, which comes from the Latin Gregorius and the Greek Γρηγόριος (Gregorios), meaning 'watchful, alert.' Etymology and History The surname MacGregor is associated with the Scottish clan Gregor, which historically held lands in the Highlands. The given name Greer emerged as either a diminutive of the surname or as a direct borrowing of the surname into a first name. It has been used since the 19th century, particularly in Scotland and later in English-speaking countries, as both a feminine and masculine name. Notable Bearers Several notable individuals bear the name Greer, spanning various fields. Among women, the most famous is Greer Garson (1904–1996), a British-American actress who won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the 1942 film Mrs. Miniver. Other notable female users include Greer Grammer (born 1992), an American actress and former beauty queen known for her role in the TV series The iCarly and Faking It; Greer Gilman, an American author of fantasy stories; and Greer Stevens (born 1957), a retired professional tennis player from South Africa. Male bearers include Greer Barnes (born 1964), an American comedian known for his work on the TV show The Chris Rock Show. Meaning: 'watchful, alert' (via Gregory) Origin: Scottish surname derived from MacGregor Type: Given name (unisex) Usage: English, Scottish