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George Boy

Popularity: #120 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationJORJ / /dʒɔrdʒ/

Greek; Latin

Meaning

Greek: farmer; Latin: earthworker

Historical & Cultural Background

The name George originates from the Greek name Georgios, which is derived from the word georgos, meaning "farmer" or "earthworker." This Greek term is a compound of the elements ge, meaning "earth," and ergon, meaning "work." The name was adopted into Latin as Georgius and subsequently made its way into Old French as Georges before entering the English language in the Middle Ages. The transition into English was marked by the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, which facilitated the introduction of many Norman names, including George, into English culture.

Historically, the name George has significant associations, particularly in Christianity. One of the most notable figures bearing this name is Saint George, a Christian martyr who is believed to have lived in the 3rd century. His legendary tale of slaying a dragon became a symbol of valor and chivalry, leading to his veneration as the patron saint of various countries, including England. The Order of the Garter, established in the 14th century, further solidified his importance in English history. The name gained prominence through the reign of King George I in the early 18th century, marking the beginning of the Hanoverian dynasty in Britain.

Culturally, the name George has resonated through various literary and historical contexts, symbolizing nobility and strength. It has been associated with numerous kings and leaders, reinforcing its stature in Western culture. The name also appears in significant literary works, including those of Shakespeare and other playwrights, often embodying themes of leadership and moral integrity. Additionally, diminutive forms such as Georgey or Georgie have emerged, reflecting a more affectionate or familiar usage, though the name's formal version remains widely recognized and respected across various cultures.

Trend Summary

George has consistently been a popular name in the United States, with fluctuations in ranking over the decades.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Georgie
  • Georgina

International Variants

  • Jorge (Spanish)
  • Georges (French)
  • Giorgio (Italian)
  • Georg (German)
  • Georgios (Greek)

Famous people named George

George Clooney is an actor and filmmaker best known for Ocean's Eleven, Gravity, and The Descendants.

George Lucas is a filmmaker best known for creating the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises.

George Carlin was a comedian and social critic best known for his stand-up routines and the HBO specials.

George R.R. Martin is an author best known for the A Song of Ice and Fire series, which inspired the television series Game of Thrones.

George Orwell was an author and journalist best known for his novels 1984 and Animal Farm.

George H. W. Bush was a U.S. President best known for his leadership during the Gulf War and his role in the end of the Cold War.

George Michael was a singer and songwriter best known for his work with Wham! and his solo hits like Careless Whisper and Faith.

George Takei is an actor and activist best known for his role as Hikaru Sulu in Star Trek and his advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.

George Benson is a jazz guitarist and singer best known for his albums Breezin' and Give Me the Night.

George Steinbrenner was a businessman best known for owning the New York Yankees and his influence on Major League Baseball.

Fictional characters named George

George Costanza is a fictional character from the TV show Seinfeld. He is a close friend of Jerry Seinfeld and is known for his neurotic personality and various misadventures.

George Bailey is a fictional character from the film It's a Wonderful Life. He is a compassionate man who learns the value of his life through the intervention of an angel.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name George was first seen in the United States in 1880. George has ranked as high as #10 nationally, which occurred in 1921, and has been most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, California, Illinois, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name George has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for George (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 250
9%
TX 229
8%
NY 179
7%
IL 139
5%
FL 135
5%
OH 123
5%
GA 105
4%
MA 95
3%
NC 95
3%
VA 92
3%
MI 91
3%
PA 90
3%
MN 86
3%
TN 80
3%
MO 78
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18805,126
18814,664
18825,193
18834,736
18844,961
18854,674
18864,671
18874,284
18884,912
18894,430
18904,458
18913,931
18924,760
18934,320
18944,365
18954,289
18964,286
18974,078
18984,853
18994,018
19005,403
19013,609
19024,223
19033,961
19044,219
19054,256
19064,201
19074,445
19084,584
19094,688
19105,441
19116,586
191211,734
191313,874
191417,602
191522,307
191623,381
191724,196
191826,318
191925,170
192026,891
192127,476
192227,350
192327,024
192427,374
192526,561
192625,909
192725,949
192824,391
192923,021
193022,787
193120,686
193220,438
193318,355
193418,500
193518,564
193618,197
193718,439
193818,436
193917,888
194018,313
194119,260
194221,275
194321,692
194420,419
194519,324
194621,574
194723,913
194821,926
194921,309
195020,182
195120,213
195219,820
195319,177
195418,703
195518,166
195617,236
195716,883
195815,639
195915,010
196014,059
196113,645
196212,541
196312,079
196411,792
196510,678
19669,942
19679,700
19689,381
19699,201
19708,913
19718,226
19727,164
19736,603
19746,284
19755,848
19765,558
19775,605
19785,299
19795,262
19805,300
19815,159
19824,991
19834,496
19844,266
19854,260
19864,346
19874,089
19884,296
19894,512
19904,567
19914,179
19923,894
19933,513
19943,317
19953,286
19963,228
19973,177
19983,044
19993,041
20003,037
20013,087
20023,018
20032,910
20042,735
20052,823
20062,701
20072,760
20082,552
20092,381
20102,374
20112,318
20122,334
20132,559
20143,006
20153,053
20163,312
20173,169
20183,083
20193,195
20202,771
20212,795
20222,637
20232,694
20242,890