What Does the Name George Mean?
George descends from the Greek Georgios, built from ge, meaning 'earth' or 'soil,' and ergon, meaning 'work' — together, 'farmer' or 'earth-worker.' Some scholars connect the root to an early title of Zeus, Zeus Georgos, tying the name to agricultural fertility.
The Origin & History of George
The name spread widely through devotion to Saint George, a 3rd-century Roman soldier martyred under Emperor Diocletian and later immortalized in the dragon-slaying legend. He became patron saint of England around the reign of Edward III. George itself stayed relatively rare in England until the Hanoverian succession brought the German-born George I to the British throne in 1714, after which five more British kings carried the name, cementing it as a fixture of English royal history — continued today with Prince George of Wales.
Personality & Traits
George feels warm, dependable, and distinguished — a short, classic name with centuries of royal and everyday use behind it, currently riding the same wave of appeal as Henry and Theodore.
Famous People Named George
Notable bearers include George Washington, the first President of the United States, and George Clooney, the American actor and director.
Nicknames & Variations
Georgie is the classic nickname. International forms include Giorgio (Italian), Georges (French), Jorge (Spanish), and György (Hungarian).
Is George a Good Name in 2026?
George is firmly back in fashion as part of the 'grandpa name' revival, prized for its warmth, brevity, and centuries of royal and cultural pedigree.