He took the name Gregor upon entering religious life

Being the only son, the Mendel family anticipated that Johann would take over the family farm. Mendel chose to become a monk, nevertheless, most likely because it allowed him to escape poverty and finish his education without having to pay for it out of pocket. Mendel enrolled in a two-year philosophy program at the Philosophical Institute of the University of Olmütz after completing his Gymnasium (grammar school) studies in 1840. (Olomouc, Czech Republic). Mendel was one of Friedrich Franz's favorite students at the University of Olomouc. Franz taught physics and applied mathematics. Later, Franz and Mendel grew close. Johann enlisted in the Augustinian Order of St. Thomas in Brno, Moravia, at Franz's recommendation. At this location, he received the name Gregor, by which he is now well-known. This is also one of the most interesting facts about Gregor Mendel.

At the beginning, or at least until 1843, he went by the name Johann Mendel. After his birth, his parents gave him the name Johann. Mendel was nurtured in a rural environment in German-speaking Silesia after being born to a low-income family. Being the only boy in the family, he spent much of his time on the family farm with Theresa, his younger sister, and Veronica, his elder sister.