Grier is a given name and surname of Scottish origin, derived from the Scottish surname Grier, which itself is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic Mac Grigoir, meaning 'son of Grigoir.' That patronymic ultimately comes from the personal name Gregor (the Scottish or Gaelic equivalent of Gregory), which stems from the Late Greek name Grēgorios, from γρήγορος (grēgoros), meaning 'watchful, alert.' Though historically a masculine name, Grier has gained popularity as a feminine name in the United States in recent years, particularly as a surname used as a first name. Notable Bearers Several individuals bearing the surname Grier have achieved fame. The actor Pam Grier (born 1949) is a prominent bearer, known for her roles in 1970s blaxploitation films such as Coffy and Foxy Brown. In sports, hockey player Mike Grier (born 1975) became the first African American to play in the National Hockey League, interning with the Edmonton Oilers. Hispanic lawyer Robert Cooper Grier (1794–1870) served as a U.S. Supreme Court Justice notable for his dissents on abolitionist views. Among everyday givers of the name in a directly feminine context, little-heralded actress Pam Grier's usage solidified its unisex and often feminine character for American arrivals. Meaning: 'watchful, alert,' derived from Scottish surnames ultimately highlighting Gregory. Origin: Scottish borrowing as a given name from a surname form of Gregor, via Latin Gregorius. Type: Surname turned first name; unisex, strong lean to girls in contemporary usage. Usage Regions: Highest recognition in English—primary use United States--through entertainment circles.