So we finally know the royal baby’s name, and as I told you, it’s nothing too out there. It’s no Carlos Danger, I’ll tell you that much. The baby’s name is…
HRH PRINCE GEORGE ALEXANDER LOUIS OF CAMBRIDGE.
The “George” is mostly for Queen Elizabeth’s father, King George VI, although George is a very popular name in England and has been for decades. I find the name rather dated, and I look forward to seeing if the baby gets some kind of nickname. But what can you really do with “George”?
The Alexander is a reference, I’m assuming, to Queen Alexandra. Plus, there are a few Alexanders in the royal line, but not that many kings to my knowledge. I like the name Alex and Alexander a lot. Like, really like it. I kind of wish Alexander was the kid’s first name.
The “Louis” name is very special to Prince Phillip and Prince Charles in particular because of Louis Mountbatten, Lord Mountbatten (formerly Battenberg), the “Last Viceroy of India”. Louis Mountbatten was Phillip’s de facto adoptive father and Charles’ de facto godfather. He died in an IRA bombing just a few months before Prince Charles and Lady Diana began dating.
So, what do you think of the name? No particular reference to Kate’s family, which is interesting. It’s a good, solid English name. Blah.
Photos courtesy of PCN, WENN, Fame/Flynet, cover courtesy of People Magazine.
Aww. Sweet. And all of you who bet on George . . . congrats?
i won $$! good for all of us
Excellent choice! Welcome Prince George. 🙂
I only like Alexander. Too bad it’s not the first name. And how sad is it that they couldn’t squeeze one of her family names in there?
I agree, Spooks. Alexander is nice and they should have put Michael in there.
Also, I’m so jealous of the fact that everybody has a second name in some countries. Second names are very uncommon where I’m from, and if you have one it’s always pronounced.
Actually George is not QEII’s father’s name. His name was Albert and they called him Bertie. They styled him King George after HIS father for some continuity after the abdication of Edward.
This is mostly true. George VI was called Bertie by family, but his full name was Albert Frederick Arthur George, so the George didn’t come from thin air. 🙂
how antiquated is the name ‘George’?!? SO disappointing! Would have been nice had they gone with something more modern and less boring. Dull, dull, dull. Too bad:/
They name him after some of the most prolific names of British, Russian and French kings. Ready for coronation at two days old. No pressure. No delusions of grandeur. Sure.
I know right?!
How funny would it be if by the time Georgie had to succeed, he’d want no part in it and abdicate in favour of a sibling with a much more appealing name? Say, an Arthur or a Michelle?
I completely disagree. George is a great name and brings to mind St. George, the patron saint of England. If you are an American, don’t forget George Washington, the father of America. It’s distinguished. The modern habit of giving children shallow, meaningless names has happily not affected the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
I’m with you!! George is a great name and a touching tribute to Queen Elizabeth’s father.
Whose actual (birth & private) name was not George…
Yes, George VI name was Albert, another classic. Quite agree with Miss Bennett. Wish people naming their children these shallow invented names understood they were shackeling their children with labels that may hinder their childs future, Ma Middleton knew what she was doing when she chose Catherine, Philippa, & James.
I agree. Royal history notwithstanding, the name George is so old that to me it almost seems fresh and new for a kid. We have friends who named one of their sons George (we live in the US) and he really is unique among his classmates, friends, fellow athletes, etc.
Maybe George will make a comeback in the way that some of the old girls’ names, like Mabel and Alice, seem to be coming back. Someone here was recently talking about naming her baby “Dorothy,” which to me is in the “George” realm.
Queen Elizabeth’s father was named Albert Frederick Arthur George. George was one of his names although he was known as Bertie.
who said I think that they should name their child ‘Moonbeam’, ‘Masala’, ‘Truth’, ‘Hail’, ‘Ceasar’ or ‘Tofu’?!? You can name the child something a little more contemporary without resorting to archaic old names is all I was saying. What about: Liam; Owen; Oliver; Gavin; Gunnar; Chase; or Nathaniel? Those are lovely names and void of being steeped in English history…though if this is what they were going for, then George is a good solid name…albeit borrrring.
@ParisPucker QEII has to approve the baby’s name before it is announced so I doubt she was going to go for anything trendy. Plus they gave a nod to her because one of her middle names is Alexandra. I actually find it comforting that the royals tend to not have more outlandish names.
“Prince Gunnar?” Seriously?!
Well said @Miss Bennett.
@ Boxy Lady —> Yes, seriously! What better name for a King than a name that means ‘warrior’?!?
This is not worth arguing over — hardly. Was just making a point that for this new generation that has done most unconventional things such as engaging with the press and using social media for that matter, it would have been nice had they shown full embrace of this trend by picking a less conventional name. Granted, maybe something not Nordic per se, but something like ‘Ashford’, ‘Blake’, ‘Elliot’, ‘Alan’ would have been just as lovely. Like Kaiser, I think Alexander is a wonderful name and wished that this had been his first name! It means ‘Great Protector’ 🙂 Kingly-like that name. Anyhoo, my 2 pesos. Nothing worth getting your panties in a bunch over. Speaking of which, I think he’s going to be strikingly handsome one day – am excited and delighted for them…
this is the future king of England….I’m not sure how well ‘King Braydyn Jaymes Tyler Aiden Cambridge’ would go over.
This! Thank you Elisabeth.
Never let it be said that the Royals will ever ever be dragged into modernity. No lets just recycle names from a bygone era. Harken back to the days when they could have me beheaded for even saying this. Yet another sign of what an out of touch traditionalist William is.
George? Ugh. I always loathed that name.
That’s my father’s name.
Maybe they’ll pronounce it Ghey-org. That’s a name I can get behind.
Reminds me of Christopher Plummer in “Sound of Music!” He was so hot in that!!
@NYC girl, that’s exactly what came to mind when I read that pronunciation!!! And agreed about Christopher Plummer (although he apparently hates people who fangirl over him in that role).
He does? Ooh, he would hate me then, because I fell in love with him for years after seeing him in that movie. God, he was beautiful. Sorry CP.
I’ve always loved George. DH and I have it at the top of our list if we ever get to make our boy Henry a big brother.
Well, the list they can choose from is VERY short, I think, so I don’t think George is too bad.
At any rate, George is WAY better than made-up names, intentionally misspelled names, and words that celebrities attach to their kids as names.
Yes, but isn’t making up names (for people place and things) how language came about in the first place? I don’t mind people being creative with names.
I can’t imagine calling a tiny baby ‘George’. I hope they’ve come up with a good nick name.
“Crumpets” is and will always be his nickname.
I hope they call him Xander!
ita
it’s a future monarch not some trick baby on a reality show
Trick baby on a reality show? I have no clue to whom you may be referring;)
Agree 100%. I know someone who did their darnedest to fit unnecessary Z’s and E’s in their baby girl’s name. So tacky. Sometimes I don’t think people understand that what they think is cute for their little baby now, won’t be so cute once that child’s an adult.
Cute, I like it!
UGH I like how E! is already pushing for North West pairing… as if!
E was probably only joking.
Sarcasm – remarks that mean the opposite of what they seem to say and are intended to mock
You know if anyone’s getting The Prince of Crumpets, it’s Blue Ivy Carter. If she decides to settle.
This made me spit my afternoon tea!
My money is actually on H7’s future husband.
Zzzzzzzzzzz. As soon as I hear George I think of Clooney.
Usually I think George Jefferson or Boy George or George Jetson.
Because nobody under 50 is named George.
You are wrong. Very popular in boys’ prep schools in both US and UK these days.
George Zimmerman.
George Clooney.
Per the U.S. SSA “Top Names” database, George has been in the top 200 baby boy names since the 1880s (over 130 years). It was in the top 10 from the 1880s until the 1940s (dropping to #15) and did not fall out of the TOP 100 until 1990s.
So, there must be plenty of Georges under 50 (and under 40, 30, etc.) in the States. I suspect there will be more, soon. 🙂
It was the 12th most popular boys name in Britain for 2012.
George Alexander makes me think of Jason Alexander as George Costanza.
I just came here to write that. Georgie boy!!!
Every time someone mentions a George, I think of George Weasley from the Harry Potter books, the twins were my favorite characters in the books. I can get behind the name.
Ooh….maybe baby WILL be a ginger!!
…and a charismatic troublemaker! (like a Weasley…or a Harry lol)
as a whole I like it, it’s boring but it’s what I would expect. as far as what can you do with George, when he gets older he can proclaim the “Summer of George”..
on a different note, look at those little fingers!!
And it looks like he is already good at getting them into his mouth! 😀
Love it!! Summer 2013 can forever be called the Summer of George.
BTW there are already some funny Internet jokes that Jason ALEXANDER (aka GEORGE Costanza) LOVES the baby’s name!
I like classic names, personally, so I think it’s cool and distinguished. I’m glad they didn’t go overkill with four names. I agree though, I was hoping for Alexander.
One of the Queen’s middle names is Alexandra. Plus, Queen Victoria’s “real” first name was Alexandrina. So there’s definitely lots of royal history for that. I’m not shocked they named him George given who the current Queen’s father was, but I was hoping for Alexander or Albert or even James (although I figured that was a long shot).
I figured there was no way they’d name him James, since William’s uncle Prince Edward has a little boy named James. I’m glad they named him George, but I was really hoping to see Philip in there somewhere.
George is so blah. I understand he will be a king someday, if EVER but Alexander is much better. It’s their child but it may as well be the Queen child.
It’s not like they could name the kid Jaden or Rockie or whatever. I think George is perfectly fine and very British. I read that Alexander is Kate’s favorite boy name and of course Louis(Loo-E) is for Mountbatten. So, overall, it’s a great set of names. Now I’ll just sit back and wait for the christening and the godparents to be announced.
I have a feeling the second child will be given a Middleton name or two so everybody will be happy.
So now Rose from the links post can eat crow as there has now been an entry posted at 4:00 lol
Lols!
Boring like his parents
I agree!
+1
Awww,congrats to them. I liked Arthur but George is a good name.
I so wanted Arthur! King Arthur! But I can see how George works, too.
Georgie is a cute nickname, although all I can think of Estelle Costanza where I hear it lol
Do ya think one night hence on Festivus Eve Kate will be screaming ” George! Come and fight with your father!”
At least they worked Alexander in there, but I was pulling for that as the first name.
Eh, I was pulling for James. The whole name is very stuffy sounding. I hope he gets a great nickname.
Such a dull name and I thought for sure it wouldnt be used since everyone seemed to predict it. I think Alexander George Louis would have been a better choice.
To quote Easy A, “There is no such thing as a sexy George!”
At one point George Clooney was sexy
I think George Clooney is still sexy?! 🙂
So much hate for the name George. As the proud mother of a 16 year old George I can tell you that it is a timeless classic (at least in the UK) and he can be anything from a bin man to the next pm. So there.
I am sure your son is lovely, George is indeed a timeless classic & is currently experiencing great popularity in well educated and non tattooed demographics of the US.
LOL @ “well educated and non tattooed demographics”… do you have any idea how snooty you sound?
Lol @ Janet~ well she IS a bored suburban housewife, so I’m guessing her snootiness is par for the course! Anyhoo, I was hoping for Alexander for the first name too! Then we could have the same nickname ( ;
I have a doctorate and a half sleeve. Love that people like me don’t exist in your puddle depth world view.
@roisin – I have a masters and a tramp stamp 😉
I love the name George! Kind of surprised by all the criticism of such a good, solid name.
Exactly. I love old fashioned English names like George, William or Alfie. Channing, Ace or Jaden are not suitable names for a future king.
my son is James and my husband is George – better than silly names like wayne or dwayne – poor kids !!
I don’t get the hate either. George is at the top of our list for baby #2, and I think it’s a sweet name for a little boy OR a fitting name for a grown man. Much better than a lot of the “creative” names popping up now, I say.
We can just start referring to him as Little G.
Lil Gorgee
I really like it – still surprised there’s not a Phillip wedged in somewhere, though. If we have another boy, he will be a George, so I may be partial!
I think it’s a sweet name 😉
I think it’s sweet! Definitely beats North West!! Lol
I was thinking the same thing!
I like it. George Alexander Louis flows well, and as others have pointed out, it’s a classic, timeless name.
Adorable baby and very happy for them, but George? Ugh. I loathe the name George
I bet on George , and don’t agree with the critics who say the name is old and boring. It’s CLASSIC. In my demographic on the East Coast, classic names like George, William, Henry, James are enjoying quite a renaissance. Louis is really weird though. It’s a Frenchie King name that suddenly cropped up with Charles & Williams full names owing to Louis Mountbatten’s role in the lives of Philip & Charles. But at this point why not just Charles, Philip, or both? Alexander kind of surprising, thought the female version likely if a girl. But a few Scottish kings had the name and I’m thinking Kate always liked it. I wanted to name my youngest Alexander but its so popular now one of my older kids told me it was a no go because he knew too many horrible kids with that name!
I’m in the midwest and we know a lot of kids named George, Henry, William, Charles, Alexander – they’re super popular here (along with the more trendy names, of course) too.
Yes and It’s interesting they are typically not nicknamed. Henry is Henry. James is never Jim. william is never Bill. And Richard clearly is never Dick.
Names come and go in popularity. As long as Humphrey doesn’t make a comeback, I’m okay with it.
Queen Elizabeth’s father’s name was Albert (his family called him Bertie), but he took the name George when he took the throne. Not that I am any flaming Anglophile, but the King’s Speech was a magnificent movie from which I got this info. That, and the internet, so I know it’s true.
Also, love the name Alexander.
I like the name Albert. And the story of him and Victoria seems lovely, as far as them genuinely loving each other. I get mushy with that stuff. 😉 And I loved The King’s Speech – great cast and movie.
Queen Victoria didnt love Albert, she was obsessed with him! Quite creepy really.
same with the current Queen. Elizabeth 2 fell in love when she was 13!!! Come on 13!!!! Philip was a young man. He prefered women (look at all his affairs!), not little girls, but the FutureQueen was obsessed with him. So he had to marry her. He was a Prince, he was aware of his duty to marry royal/ aristocratic and his uncle pushed him into this marriage too. Later Philip and Co. pushed Charles in a marriage with a much younger Aristo-Lady (Diana) he never would love. The duty of nobility…
Lol Carlos Danger. Made me choke.
My 15 year old brother is called George (Georgy as a nickname though), and my name is Alexandra. So I kinda like this name! Though I’ll admit my parents are a bit old fashioned and, for lack of a better word, posh so those complaints are probably rather valid – although we are Australian not British, and there aren’t many Georges over here.
Kudos to all the commenters who guessed correctly!
I like the name. It carries with it history and gravitas. I hope the little tyke gets a chance to live up to it.
I wonder if “Alexander” is in reference to Alexander Cambridge, 1st Earl of Athlone? He was a military commander and his mother was a descendant of Queen Victoria – seems like a stretch though. Also, some royals seem to go by one of their middle names… it’s possible his ‘official’ name is George but he may be known by one of his other names?
I’m sure Alexander is for the Queen – Elizabeth Alexandra Mary
(((((((((((( SUMMER OF GEORGE ))))))))))))
So my fave episode. Once saw a boat called same wanted it ever since!!
i was rooting for james. it’s super cute but not out there
Well, I suppose we (and he) should be grateful they didn’t name him Humphrey.
I like that Kate looks every bit as comfortable in front of the crowds as Diana did scared.
I think that will help Prince Boy George be less socially awkward than his father.
William is not socially awkward. He hates the press and only tolerates them most of the time. When necessary he can be confident, friendly and funny with them, as shown yesterday.
William is like his father – boooooooring. Harry would be the peoples king not William
King George VI of England
Alexander The Great
King Louis of France
Gee this family thinks their kid is going to live up to those names? All he’s gonna do is drink a lot, party, play polo and smile for the cameras.
and cutting ribbons… That will be all.
what a meaningless life. The monarchy is so useless in our times. Don´t see this boy become king. In 50 years this stuff will be over.
I’m assuming you mean Luis XIV and not the XV?
Lovely name. I like it.
A name befitting a King! Love It! I think these two are a great couple and they will be terrific parents. Kate is very comfortable in public.. It’s so nice to see a royal couple so in love and happy!
Prince George…!! Perfectly lovely name of course, but all I can think of is Hugh Laurie as Prince George in Blackadder. “You’ll be staring at my bedroom ceiling from now til Christmas, you lucky tart! Woof woof!”
HA!
its so amazing that they are actually predictable enough that it was even the favorite name people had money on. Wouldnt you be insulted to be so obvious..
I’m meh about “George”, but like Alexander and Louise. I hope they call him by either two. “Prince Alexander” (or even “Prince Alex”) and “Prince Louis” sound very nice.
Do the Brits pronounce Louis as Lou-iss or Lou-eee?
My understanding is in this case, it’s the French pronunciation Louie. Charles and William both have it as a middle name.
They should pronounce it “Louie, Lou-aye”.
I wonder if Kim Kartrashian is having fits over all this attention given to the baby and the royals, because in her mind she is the ultimate American princess and her baby is the most precious baby ever born. By the time she makes her “grand entrance” a whole bunch of people will go “Meh! Who cares.”
I wonder if she is more about the baby’s debut or her own “unveiling.” If it is the latter, she may really be miffed. She probably has a LONG way to go, despite all the hired help and ample time she has available to her.
I honestly do not think she is going to care that much about the baby. Kim is so beyond narcissistic that she will care nothing more other than getting her body back in shape so she can prance around like she did before she was pregnant. Deep inside, I am so stoked that Kate walked out-bump and all looking pretty darned magnificent after giving birth the day before to a baby almost twice the size of Kim’s. She was happy, beaming, glowing and gracious—something Kim will never be or do. I give Kate a lot of credit for how she handled herself through all this.
My youngest son’s name is Alexander. So, y’know, I’m all on board with that name.
Completely agree! Classic, solid name choice.
I agree George is a bit dated, but it’s my dad’s, granddad’s and several uncles’ names so I can’t complain. I would have liked Alexander to the be the first name, too (my son’s middle name-ha); it’d be a little different. I actually like that there’s no “Michael,” “Charles,” or “Philip” or even “William” in the mix. That seems kind of a departure from tradition, not that I know anything about royal names.
I have to say, I can’t wait to see what stupid ass nickname the tabloids fashion out of “George” though!!!
The first thing I thought when I read that name was about Seinfeld.
Georgie Porgie, Puddin’ and Pie,
Kissed the girls and made them cry…
So will they call him Georgie or Geordie? Or does Geordie sound too Scotch?
I’m excited that the name is George. I’m thinking of Colin Firth portraying King George in “The King’s Speech. Also, the baby doesn’t have to go with King George-He can choose a different name when he takes the crown, if it’s any consolation.
God, I LOVED that movie!!! Firth was awesome in it.
You’re preaching to the choir
I LOVE the name George.
I like it. It’s a very strong name. I think there will be many little Georges born in the near future.
I can’t get over that top pic of Kate. That’s the happiest and most comfortable she’s looked since they were married.
Love his name.
Disappointed that Philip isn’t in there but at least they acknowledged his line via Louis even if it’s after Dickie Mountbatten.
There are several Alexandras in the family including our current Queen. Queen Alexandra and Queen Alexandrine Victoria.
There is also an Alexander in the wider family who is the heir to the Duke of Gloucester.
George. Patron saint of England and born to rule. Every King George has been memorable.
In honour of George i will leave this here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPtYmq5qFVA
The Future king wouldn’t be named “hip” names. And since he’s been titled the prince of Cambridge, I had a feeling that it wouldn’t start with a C.
Kate’s family isn’t in the picture, and I didn’t expect them to. Just Like Leticia of Spain’s family isn’t. What is there to say when the grandparents will, on formal occasions, have to bow and use deferential treatment to their grandson?
It’s ironic that you’d have to bow to someone whose ass you’ve wiped and who’s chin you’ve cleaned of dribble. Really. The indignity. (Smile)
I was hoping they’d go with something a little less boring and old man-ish. I understand it has to be a traditional name but was still hoping for something that would make us all go oooooooh- ahhhhh! Maybe they’ll call him Alexander. I love Alexander.
George Alexander Louis
Are also all the first names of three of his first cousins on his mother’s side of the family.
Henry isn’t Henry, he’s our lovely Harry. I think Geordie is an adorable baby name.
Not a big fan of the name George. It’s overdone. Six monarchs have had it. Then again, when the prince does become king, he is free to choose whichever name he wants.
Who’d be the 7’th King George, when they can be the Alexander the First [for England at least]?
Louis is too French to be chosen as a regal name.
My reaction was exactly the same as yours! I love Alexander and my first thought was I wish it were his first name. Now everyone will be speculating as to whether he will be called George. That is so old-fashioned. Kind of makes you think he’ll grow up to be a fuddy duddy dork before he’s barely even breathing let alone had time to develop a (dorky) personality. Maybe we’ll get lucky and they’ll actually call him Alexander?
I think it is a fine name. Traditional, to be sure. The royals have a history of using nicknames, so I am sure the little prince will have a cute one soon enough! 🙂
Prince Georgie. Cute.
I do like the name George, just not in this case. To be completely honest, I’m rather disappointed in the name.
George Alexander Louis–a name replete with family history an connections.
George–the name of six previous Kings (including the Queen’s beloved grandfather and the reigning name, if not the given name, which was Albert, of her father) as well as the name of the last Prince and Duke of Cambridge prior to William and baby George. Queen Mary,the Queen’s beloved grandmother, descended on her mother’s side from the Cambridges–her mother Mary Adelaide was the last royal born with the name Cambridge before Prince George. Her brother Prince George was the last Prince of Cambridge and the last Duke of Cambridge before William.
Alexander–the name of the founders of both the Teck (Prince Alexander of Wurttemberg, grandfather of Queen Mary) and Battenberg/Mountbatten (Prince Alexander of Hesse, great-grandfather of Phillip) morganatic houses as well as a nice nod to Scotland–much-loved by the British royal family and perhaps a nod to where the couple met (St Andrew’s in Scotland).
Louis–The Hessian line is well-represented here both through the lines of Ludwig IV and Princess Alice and through their morganatic branch the Battenbergs (Louis Battenberg and his son Louis Mountbatten). Charles has the name George where William has the name Louis amongst their 4 names as well.
So there were nods to Elizabeth, Phillip, William and Charles (and the Cambridge name) in the name pick. It’s a nice tying together as well of the various branches–Teck/Cambridge, Windsor, Hesse/Battenberg/Mountbatten which make up this generation of the family. A very royal name with a very royal heritage given the baby’s position.
Great explanation, but I have one major question; why only three names? Isn’t four the go to number for most of the royal men? Does it come down to syllables?
Did anyone else notice that the baby’s initials are GAL? Eh. That’s going to be a sore spot when he gets older.
Oh no! He will be rotound and referred to as Prince Gorge. I see it now!
I would’ve liked to see Spencer in there somewhere
Actually there is a sly nod to the Spencers. Each name above is the first name of each of Diana’s siblings’ sons.
That IS sly! Thanks for the info it’s appreciated! I’m so happy to see the legacy of Diana in the name.
Those in Prince George, BC are thrilled with the name 🙂
Granted, they have now lost their lead in the Google search position…..
I was personally pulling for Alexander but George isn’t that bad. As recent baby namings have proven, it could have been something horrific. As a previous poster said, this kid will be the King of England (maybe) someday and King Kartier Maximum Rambo the First would not have gone over well. (Those are names taken from the SSA database btw.)
The Brits have a habit of nicknaming Alexanders “Xan” which is a drop-dead cool nickname. Like, James Bond’s best friend kind of name.
Erm, no?
I’ve lived in the UK nearly all my life and all the Alexanders/Alexandras I’ve met have always been Alexes. I’ve never heard Xan before.
I thought it was going to be George and Alexander is my son’s middle name, so I like their choice very much :). Allegedly, Kate wanted Alexander but in the end they went with George. So… it’s going to be “the summer of George” LOL 🙂
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPS3qLtaFtw
I think George is an awfully cute name for a baby boy 🙂
I was hoping for Morrissey…just to annoy him
Ah well.
Wow. It’s interesting they couldn’t even put him in the car seat properly. They have the straps over him while he’s swaddled instead of his arms being through them. Horribly dangerous example to set
I don’t mind it. It’s a good, strong name. I do wish he would be called Alexander instead of George, though.
Would like to have seen Spencer in there somewhere.