International Variations of George
Timeless and classic with a royal charm, George has been a well-used boy name for as long as data has been kept.
There are several handsome forms of George used across the globe, such Spanish Jorge, Russian Yuri, Cornish Jory, and Italian Giorgio.
Here is our full list of international variations of George, ordered by their current popularity on Nameberry.
RELATED:
- George
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"farmer"Description:
Iconoclasts though we may be, we like Fred, we like Frank, and we like George, which was among the Top 10 from 1830 to 1950, when the number of little Georges started to decline. Solid, strong, royal and saintly, yet friendly and unpretentious, we think that George is in prime position for a comeback, especially since it was chosen by Britain's royal couple.
- Jory
Origin:
Cornish variant of George, or diminutive of JordanDescription:
A rarely-used name even in its native Cornwall, Jory nevertheless feels very wearable, thanks to its similarity to familiar picks like Rory, Corey and Joey. Jory Cassel is a minor character in the first season of Game of Thrones.
- Geordie
Origin:
English demonymDescription:
Though it looks, to the untrained American eye, like a yoonek spelling of Jordy, Geordie actually refers to people from Tyneside in Northeast England and the local dialect there. To give you a sense of what it implies to Brits, Geordie Shore is British MTV's long-running answer to Jersey Shore.
- Yuri
Origin:
Russian variation of GeorgeDescription:
Common Russian name familiarized here via cosmonaut Yury Gagarin and a character in Dr. Zhivago, but we don't see it ever gaining permanent resident status.
- Joji
Description:
Joji is a masculine name with Japanese origins, where it serves as a shortened or casual form of George (Jōji in Japanese). The name has gained international recognition partly through Japanese-Australian musician and YouTube personality Joji (born George Miller). In Japanese, the name is typically written in katakana as ジョージ and carries the same meaning as George, which comes from Greek roots meaning "farmer" or "earth-worker." Joji has a friendly, approachable quality while maintaining its cross-cultural appeal. While still relatively uncommon as a legal given name outside Japan, its popularity has increased somewhat in multicultural communities. Parents might choose this name for its simple pronunciation, cultural connection to Japan, and modern, global feel.
- Joji
Description:
Joji is a masculine name with Japanese origins, where it serves as a shortened or casual form of George (Jōji in Japanese). The name has gained international recognition partly through Japanese-Australian musician and YouTube personality Joji (born George Miller). In Japanese, the name is typically written in katakana as ジョージ and carries the same meaning as George, which comes from Greek roots meaning "farmer" or "earth-worker." Joji has a friendly, approachable quality while maintaining its cross-cultural appeal. While still relatively uncommon as a legal given name outside Japan, its popularity has increased somewhat in multicultural communities. Parents might choose this name for its simple pronunciation, cultural connection to Japan, and modern, global feel.
- Jordi
Origin:
Catalan variation of GeorgeDescription:
To the American ear, Jordi seems like a nickname for Jordan, which means this popular name from Catalonia could certainly cross cultures.
- Jorge
Origin:
Spanish and Portuguese variation of GeorgeDescription:
The classic Jorge is one of the most popular and classic Spanish names for boys in the US. Some Latine families pronounce it the same way as George.
- Seoirse
Description:
Seoirse is the traditional Irish Gaelic form of George, a masculine name with ancient Greek origins. The name derives from 'Georgios', meaning 'farmer' or 'earth-worker', from the Greek elements 'ge' (earth) and 'ergon' (work). Pronounced approximately as 'SHOR-sha', it represents the distinctive way Irish Gaelic adapted the classic name to fit its phonetic patterns. While George has been immensely popular across the English-speaking world, Seoirse remains relatively uncommon outside Ireland, giving it a strong cultural distinctiveness. The name carries connections to Ireland's heritage and language preservation efforts, making it particularly meaningful for families with Irish roots who wish to honor their cultural traditions while using a name with global historical significance.
- Juro
Origin:
Croatian, JapaneseMeaning:
"earth worker; tenth son"Description:
A Croatian form of George, and also a lively Japanese name traditionally given to the tenth son.
- Giorgio
Origin:
Italian variation of GeorgeMeaning:
"farmer"Description:
Giorgio as is rich in meaning and history as George, but with more Italian flair. It's a consistent Top 50 hit in Italy, and with Italian boy names like Gianni and Lorenzo rising through the charts, could be another one to add to the mix.The best-known modern bearer is fashion designer Giorgio Armani.
- Giorgis
Description:
Giorgis is a masculine name with Mediterranean origins, primarily functioning as a Greek and Italian variant of George. Deriving from the Greek 'Georgios,' the name means 'farmer' or more literally 'earth-worker,' from 'ge' (earth) and 'ergon' (work). This variation maintains the honorable heritage of the widely-used name George while offering a distinctive cultural flair. In Greek orthodox traditions, Saint George (Giorgis) is highly venerated as a warrior saint, adding religious significance to the name. While less common internationally than George, Giorgis carries a melodic quality with its soft 'g' sounds and provides a connection to Mediterranean heritage. The name conveys strength and cultural richness, appealing to parents seeking a name with traditional roots but a less common presentation.
- Semer
Description:
Semer is an uncommon masculine name with multiple potential origins. It may derive from Germanic roots meaning 'victorious' or 'famous,' or possibly from Arabic origins where it relates to concepts of conversation or evening storytelling. In some contexts, it could be a variant of Semir, a Bosnian name meaning 'wind' or 'breeze.' The name has a distinctive, succinct quality with its two syllables and melodic sound. Semer remains relatively rare in most Western countries, making it an attractive option for parents seeking something distinct yet accessible. Its cross-cultural potential allows it to work well in diverse communities while maintaining a sense of uniqueness.
- Joran
Description:
Joran is a compact masculine name with diverse international roots. In Scandinavian countries, particularly Sweden, it serves as a variant of Göran or Jörn (forms of George, meaning 'farmer' or 'earth-worker'). The name also appears in Dutch usage. Additionally, Joran refers to a wind pattern in meteorology - a strong land breeze found in parts of South America - giving the name a nature-inspired dimension. Its short, punchy structure with just two syllables makes it both modern and practical. While never widely popular in English-speaking countries, Joran has maintained steady if minimal usage, particularly appealing to parents seeking a name with international connections and a contemporary feel. The name's simplicity and distinctive sound set it apart without being difficult to pronounce or remember.
- Jorn
Description:
Jorn is a masculine name of Scandinavian origin, particularly popular in Norway, Denmark, and the Netherlands. It developed as a variation of names like Jørn, Björn, or George, with potential meanings including "bear" (from Björn) or "farmer" (if derived from George). The name carries a strong Nordic character with its brevity and distinctive sound. While not widely used outside Scandinavia, Jorn has a modern, streamlined quality that travels well across cultural boundaries. The name evokes images of rugged Scandinavian landscapes and Viking heritage, suggesting strength and resilience. Its short, bold sound gives it contemporary appeal while maintaining connections to Northern European naming traditions.
- Egor
Origin:
Variation of Igor, Old Norse via RussianMeaning:
"warrior"Description:
Egor is a Slavic masculine name, primarily used in Russia and Eastern Europe. It is a variant of the name Igor, which derives from the Old Norse name Ingvarr, composed of 'Ing' (a Germanic god) and 'varr' (warrior). Egor gained popularity in Russia during the 19th century and remains a common name there today. In Western countries, the name is less common but has seen occasional use among families with Slavic heritage. Its pronunciation varies slightly across regions, with the Russian version sounding like 'YEH-gohr'. The name conveys strength and carries historical significance in Slavic cultures.
- Jorma
Origin:
Finnish, variation of JeremiahDescription:
Rarely heard in the US, but borne by Jorma Taccone an actor featured on the TV series Girls., who was named after the Jefferson Airplane guitarist Jorma Kaukonen. Taccone--who plays Booth Jonathan on the show-- has been quoted as saying, "I grew up in Berkeley and my parents were hippies, obviously, since my name is Jorma.
- Jurgen
Origin:
Dutch variation of GeorgeMeaning:
"farmer"
- Gorka
Description:
Gorka is a masculine Basque name with deep cultural roots in northern Spain. It is derived from the Basque form of the name George, which ultimately comes from the Greek 'Georgios,' meaning 'farmer' or 'earth-worker.' In Basque culture, Gorka is associated with strength and national identity, and it remains a popular choice for boys in the Basque Country. Outside this region, the name is relatively uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality. Gorka has a strong, compact sound that conveys masculinity and resilience. While not widely used internationally, it has gained some recognition through notable bearers including Basque athletes and cultural figures.
- Gorin
Description:
Gorin is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant of Goran, a Slavic name meaning "mountain man" or derived from the word for "mountain." Alternatively, it could be related to the Germanic name elements "gari" or "geri" meaning "spear." In some contexts, it appears as a surname or place name before transitioning to use as a given name. Gorin has a strong, compact sound with its two syllables and emphasis on the first syllable. The name carries a rugged, natural connotation through its potential mountain associations, suggesting strength and steadfastness. Very rare in contemporary usage, particularly in English-speaking countries, Gorin might appeal to parents seeking an uncommon name with cross-cultural roots and a distinctive yet accessible sound.