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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Yrjö
Description:
Yrjö is a traditional Finnish masculine name with historical significance. It is the Finnish equivalent of George, which derives from the Greek name Georgios, meaning 'farmer' or 'earth-worker.' The name has been popular in Finland for centuries, particularly due to its association with Saint George, the dragon-slaying Christian martyr. The unique spelling and pronunciation (roughly 'UR-yuh') reflect Finnish phonology and orthography. Yrjö has been carried by notable Finns, including composer Yrjö Kilpinen and politician Yrjö Koskinen. While traditional in nature, the name maintains a steady presence in Finland, though it's less common among younger generations.
- Jorg
Description:
Jorg is a masculine name with Germanic origins, serving as a variant of George in several European languages, particularly German and Scandinavian. The name derives from the Greek 'Georgios,' meaning 'farmer' or 'earth-worker.' Pronounced with a soft 'Y' sound at the beginning (like 'York' but with a 'g' ending) in its original languages, Jorg has a strong, concise quality that appeals to those seeking brief but distinctive names. While common in German-speaking regions and parts of Scandinavia, it remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, giving it a somewhat exotic appeal. The name carries associations with strength and practicality, reflecting its earthy origins.
- Joris
Origin:
Dutch variation of GeorgeMeaning:
"farmer"Description:
A fresh Dutch take on George, although you’re likely to get pronunciation errors upon first meetings.
- Jörg
Description:
Jörg is a Germanic masculine name, primarily used in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It's a variation of George, which derives from the Greek 'georgos' meaning 'farmer' or 'earth-worker.' The distinctive umlaut over the 'o' gives the name its characteristic German pronunciation, roughly like 'yerg.' Jörg gained popularity in German-speaking regions during the medieval period and has maintained steady usage since then, though it's less common among younger generations today. The name carries connotations of reliability and strength in Germanic cultures. It's generally perceived as a traditional, solid name that conveys a sense of dependability and cultural heritage. Outside German-speaking countries, the name is quite rare and might present pronunciation challenges due to the umlaut, but it offers a distinctive European flair.
- Georg
Description:
Georg is a masculine name representing the Germanic and Scandinavian form of George, ultimately derived from the Greek name Georgios (Γεώργιος), meaning "farmer" or "earth-worker" from the elements "ge" (earth) and "ergon" (work). This variant has been particularly popular in German-speaking countries, the Nordic nations, and parts of Eastern Europe for centuries. Notable bearers include composer Georg Friedrich Händel, mathematician Georg Cantor, and physicist Georg Ohm. Unlike the English George, Georg is typically pronounced with a hard 'g' sound at the end (gay-org). While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, the name maintains steady popularity in Germany, Austria, and Scandinavian countries, where it is appreciated for its classic, dignified character and cultural heritage.
- 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.
- 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.
- Jerek
Description:
Jerek is a masculine name with Slavic origins, possibly derived as a variation of Jarek or Jaroslav, meaning 'fierce' or 'ardent.' In some contexts, it may also be connected to the Germanic name Jörg or Jürgen (forms of George), meaning 'farmer' or 'earth-worker.' This distinctive name carries a strong, confident sound while remaining relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries. The short, punchy nature of Jerek gives it a contemporary feel despite its traditional roots. It appeals to parents seeking a masculine name that's both distinctive and straightforward to pronounce. The name projects strength and individuality without being overly complicated or unfamiliar.
- 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.
- Georgi
Origin:
Russian variation of GeorgeDescription:
Spelling it with a double I -- GEORGII -- makes it ultradistinctive, and less a generic Georgie.
- Iorgos
Description:
Iorgos is a masculine name of Greek origin, serving as a variant of Georgios or George, which derives from the Greek 'georgos' meaning 'farmer' or 'earth-worker.' Particularly common in Greece and Cyprus, Iorgos (sometimes written as Yorgos) maintains the cultural essence of its more formal counterpart while offering a distinctive spelling and pronunciation. The name carries historical significance through its connection to Saint George, a venerated Christian martyr. While less internationally recognized than George, Iorgos has maintained steady popularity in Greek communities worldwide. Its distinctly Mediterranean character appeals to parents seeking a name with clear cultural roots. In Greek naming traditions, it's often passed down through generations, honoring grandfathers or other family members.
- Jurgen
Origin:
Dutch variation of GeorgeMeaning:
"farmer"

