HOME > George as a Female Name: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Choosing a name for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent. It is a name that will stay with them for the rest of their lives, and it will shape their identity and how they are perceived by others. While some parents prefer traditional names that have been used for centuries, others are more open to gender-neutral or unisex names that challenge traditional gender norms. One such name that has gained popularity in recent years is George, traditionally a male name but now used for girls as well.
History and Meaning of George
George is a name of Greek origin, derived from the word 'georgos' which means 'farmer' or 'earth-worker'. It was a popular name among early Christians, as Saint George was a revered martyr who is said to have slain a dragon and saved a princess. The name became even more popular in England after King George I ascended to the throne in 1714. Since then, it has been a popular name for boys, with famous bearers including George Washington, George Orwell, and George Clooney.
George as a Female Name
While George has traditionally been a male name, it has gained popularity as a gender-neutral or unisex name in recent years. According to the Social Security Administration, there were 1,042 girls named George in the United States between 1880 and 2019. While this is a relatively small number compared to the thousands of boys named George during the same period, it shows that the name has been used for girls for over a century. In recent years, celebrities such as Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively have named their daughter James, which has a similar gender-neutral vibe to George.
Popularity of George as a Female Name
While George is still more commonly used for boys, it has been gaining popularity as a female name in recent years. In 2019, there were 17 girls named George in the United States, up from 13 in 2018. While this is still a relatively small number, it shows that the name is becoming more accepted as a female name. In the United Kingdom, George was the 45th most popular name for girls in 2019, with 1,042 girls given the name. This makes it a more popular name for girls in the UK than in the United States.
Famous Women Named George
While George is still a relatively uncommon name for girls, there are some famous women who bear the name. One of the most famous is George Eliot, the pen name of Mary Ann Evans, a Victorian novelist who wrote classics such as 'Middlemarch' and 'Silas Marner'. Another famous George is George Sand, the pen name of Amantine Lucile Aurore Dupin, a French novelist and feminist who wrote over 80 novels and plays. Other famous women named George include George O'Keeffe, the American artist, and George Foreman, the American boxer and entrepreneur.
Variations of George as a Female Name
While George is a unisex name, there are some variations that are more commonly used for girls. One of these is Georgia, which is a feminine form of George. Other variations include Georgina, Georgiana, and Georgette. These names all have the same Greek origin as George and have a similar meaning of 'farmer' or 'earth-worker'.
Conclusion
In conclusion, George is a name that has traditionally been used for boys but has gained popularity as a gender-neutral or unisex name in recent years. While it is still more commonly used for boys, there are some parents who are choosing to use it for their daughters as well. Whether you choose to use George as a female name or one of its variations, it is a name with a rich history and meaning that will make a strong statement for your child's identity.
