What does George mean and where does it come from?
George is traditionally a male name derived from the Greek Γεώργιος (Geōrgios), meaning 'farmer' or 'earthworker.' In modern contexts, George has been used for females, often as a statement of empowerment and breaking gender norms. The name is widely popular, with historical usage dating back to Sai
Cultural significance
George has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greek-speaking communities, where it reflects values of farmer..
Peak popularity
Reached #4 in 1881 — currently #136 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greek-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with George?
George works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
George Grace
Most popular combo · classic
George Rose
Floral · soft ending
George Mae
Sweet · timeless
George Claire
French influence · crisp
George Jane
Literary · strong
George Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is George right now?
Rising — up 6 spots — currently #136 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #136 | 2,694 | ▲ up 6 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #142 | 2,637 | ▼ down 8 · -6% births |
| 2021 | #134 | 2,795 | ▼ down 1 · +2% births |
| 2020 | #133 | 2,746 | ▲ up 2 · -10% births |
| 2015 | #135 | 3,049 | ▲ up 30 · +29% births |
| 2010 | #165 | 2,372 | ▼ down 26 · -16% births |
| 2005 | #139 | 2,823 | ▼ down 9 · -7% births |
| 2000 | #130 | 3,037 | ▼ down 15 · -8% births |
| 1995 | #115 | 3,286 | ▼ down 36 · -28% births |
| 1990 | #79 | 4,566 | ▼ down 7 · +7% births |
| 1985 | #72 | 4,256 | ▼ down 12 · -20% births |
| 1980 | #60 | 5,299 | ▼ down 7 · -9% births |
| 1975 | #53 | 5,843 | ▼ down 13 · -34% births |
| 1970 | #40 | 8,919 | ▼ down 6 · -17% births |
| 1965 | #34 | 10,685 | — |
The story of George
George has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It peaked at #4 in 1881, placing it among the top 10 most popular names. Over 1483K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. George is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.
Names that peaked alongside George in 1881:
George by decade
George peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 47,980 | |
| 1890s | 43,703 | |
| 1900s | 43,924 | |
| 1910s | 177,707 | |
| 1920s ★ | 264,011 | |
| 1930s | 193,872 | |
| 1940s | 210,264 | |
| 1950s | 182,003 | |
| 1960s | 113,788 | |
| 1970s | 65,270 | |
| 1980s | 46,074 | |
| 1990s | 35,381 | |
| 2000s | 28,071 | |
| 2010s | 28,365 | |
| 2020s | 2,753 | |
What are good nicknames for George?
Famous people named George
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George (Byzantine leader)
George used this name through the Byzantine Empire, preserving its Greek heritage into the medieval era.
G(
George (modern Greek athlete)
George brought this name to international sporting recognition representing Greece.
G(
George (ancient philosopher)
George bore this name in classical Greece, where it was associated with wisdom and learning.
G(
George (Greek mythological figure)
George carried this name in Greek mythology, connecting it to divine or heroic tradition.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like George?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love George also consider these
How is George written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of George?
Common questions about the name George
What does the name George mean?
George means "Farmer." — a name rooted in Greek tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name George?
George is currently ranked #136 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of George?
George originates from Greek tradition. Greek names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name George?
George is a one-syllable name pronounced JH AO1 R JH. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does George sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, George flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as George ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.