George (English:/ˈdʒɔːrdʒ/) is a masculine given name derived from the Greek name Georgios (Γεώργιος; Ancient Greek: [ɡeɔ́ːrɡi.os], Modern Greek: [ʝeˈorʝi.os]). It may have been a theophoric name, with origins in Zeus Georgos, an early title of the Greek god Zeus. In the fourth century, the name gained popularity due to its association with the Christian martyr, Saint George (died 23 April 303). Today [when?], it is one of the most commonly used names in the Western world. Its diminutives are Geordie and Georgie, with the former being limited primarily to residents of England and Scotland. The most popular feminine forms in the Anglosphere are Georgia, Georgiana, and Georgina.

History

Etymology and origins

Its original Greek form, Georgios, is based on the Greek word georgos (γεωργός), 'farmer'. The word georgos itself is ultimately a combination of two Greek words: ge (γῆ), 'earth, soil' and ergon (ἔργον), 'work'. Aelius Herodianus (fl. 2nd century AD), a Roman-era Greek grammarian and writer, determined Georgios to be a theophoric name, or a name created to honor a deity, a nod to Zeus Georgos, or "Zeus the Farmer" in English. In the early stages of Greek mythology, before Zeus took on a major role in the Greek pantheon as ruler of all the gods and goddesses, he was sacrificed to as an agricultural god, a patron of crops and harvests. The name took on religious significance to followers of Early Christianity in 303 with the supposed martyrdom of Georgios, a Roman soldier of Greek heritage. While the story's historical accuracy is subject to debate, his character took on real importance to the Christian Church, with Georgios and its variants being used as baptismal names and by religious officials and Christian monarchs, though it did not become common among the laity until after the Middle Ages.

Forms

In other languages

Feminine forms

People

Rulers and aristocrats

Ordered chronologically where feasible.

Religious figures

Others

Pre-modern world

Modern world

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Pen or stage name

  • George Alice, Australian singer-songwriter Georgia Mannion (born 2003)
  • George Eastman (actor), Italian B-movie actor and screenwriter Luigi Montefiori (born 1942)
  • George Eliot, pen name of English writer Mary Ann Evans (1819–1880)

Fictional characters

See also