George
/ˈd͡ʒɔɹd͡ʒ/
George is a name of Greek origin, derived from the Greek Georgios, which comes from georgos, meaning “farmer” or “1 who works the earth.” The compound is formed from ge, meaning “earth,” and ergon, meaning “work.” Agriculture and land cultivation were
central to ancient Greek society, giving this name a grounded, elemental meaning.
The name’s global spread is largely due to Saint George, a Christian martyr of the 3rd or early 4th century AD, traditionally identified as a Roman soldier who was executed for refusing to renounce his faith.
What the name George means
The legend of Saint George slaying a dragon to rescue a princess became 1 of the most enduring Christian allegories of the medieval period. Saint George is the patron saint of England, Georgia, Ethiopia, Portugal, and many other countries and cities.
George has been used by 6 kings of the United Kingdom, from George I (reigned 1714-1727) through George VI (reigned 1936-1952).
The current heir apparent to the British throne, Prince George, born 2013, carries the name into the contemporary period. George Washington (1732-1799), the first President of the United States, is the name’s most prominent American bearer.
Equivalents across languages include Jorge in Spanish and Portuguese, Giorgio in Italian, Georges in French, Georg in German, Georgi in Bulgarian, and Yuri or Yegor in Russian.
In the US, George ranked in the top 10 for most of the 19th and early 20th centuries and has shown renewed interest since 2015, currently sitting in the top 150.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named George
George - similar names
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