We at Mitchells Roberton having our offices in George House, beside George Square are mightily pleased that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have named their son George.

The announcement that the royal baby is to be called George prompted me to look into some things George.

For example where does the expression “By George” come from? Well, it seems the phrase is actually a mild oath dating back to the early 1600s, the word “George” being a substitute for the word “God”. According to the Oxford English Dictionary the remark began life as “for George” and “before George” utterances published in Ben Jonson’s 1598 play “Every Man in his Humour” and John Dryden’s 1680 comedy “The Kind Keeper”.  The expression latter became “By George”.

Indeed what does the name George mean? It means farmer or earth worker. But although the name has a humble meaning the name George has a rich royal heritage. There have been six Kings George..

George I was the first Hanoverian King of Great Britain taking the throne in 1714.  

George II was born and raised in Germany becoming King in 1727. He was the last King to lead an army into battle.

George III reigned for 60 years, longer than any other previous British monarch. He suffered mental ill health in later years. George Square which our office  is right beside is named after George III.

George IV served as Prince Regent during his father’s mental illness and was known for living an extravagant lifestyle.

George V was the grandson of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and was King throughout the First World War .He was the first monarch of the House of Windsor which he renamed due to anti German feeling at the time.

King George VI was the Queen’s much loved father who reigned for 16 years. His first name was actually Albert or Bertie for short but he chose George, his fourth name to use as Sovereign.

Now we have baby George Alexander Louis, third in the line of succession.

Lastly I did a quick survey in the office and to a last we have all bought George clothes in Asda!!!