GEORGE
George
Origin and Meaning George is a popular surname of British origin derived from the male given name "George", which comes from the Greek name "Georgios" meaning "farmer" or "earthworker". The name became widespread in England after the Crusades, due to the popularity of Saint George, the patron saint of England.
History The surname George has ancient roots in England, with records dating back to the medieval period. It was commonly used as a masculine given name before becoming established as a hereditary surname. The name George gained further prominence in Britain with the reign of King George I in the early 18th century and subsequent kings bearing the name George.
Distribution The George surname is distributed widely across the United Kingdom, with concentrations in regions such as Scotland, Wales, and various counties in England. The name has also spread to other English-speaking countries as a result of migration and colonization.
Famous Bearers
- Saint George: Patron saint of England, known for his legendary slaying of a dragon.
- George Washington: First President of the United States.
- George Orwell: Renowned English author of classics such as "1984" and "Animal Farm".
- Boy George: English singer and frontman of the band Culture Club.
Variants Variants of the George surname include Georges, Georgius, and Georgeson. These variations reflect the different ways the name has been adapted and anglicized over the centuries.
In conclusion, the surname George holds a significant place in British history and culture, with its origins rooted in ancient Greek and Christian traditions. It continues to be a prevalent surname in Britain and beyond, carrying with it a rich tapestry of historical and contemporary significance.
There are approximately 35,862 people named George in the UK. That makes it the 211th most common surname in Britain. Around 551 in a million people in Britain are named George.
Surname type: From given name or forename
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Anthony
- Christopher
- David
- John
- Michael
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Rebecca
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.