The Etymology and Meaning of Georgiana

Georgiana is a feminine take on the masculine name George, and the Greek γεωργός, georgós, the source from which these names are derived, means “tiller of the soil,” i.e. “agriculturalist.”

Spelling and pronunciation of given names and surnames depend a lot on personal preferences, and this female name isn’t exempted. In fact, Amanda Foreman, author of Georgiana: Duchess of Devonshire, has been known to articulate Georgiana as jor-jay-na while acknowledging some may rather jor-ji-ana.

The Popularity of Georgiana

There have been quite a number of British royals named George, so it is somewhat surprising that the feminine variation Georgiana was not in 2017’s or 2018’s Top 100 Most Popular.

Historical & Fictional Persons Named Georgiana

Of the Spencer lineage, and being great-great-great-great aunt to Princess Diana of Wales (July 1st, 1961 – August 31st, 1997), the 5th Duchess of Devonshire, namely Georgiana Cavendish (June 7th, 1757 – March 30th, 1806), was known in her days as a political activist as well as a writer; moreover, she had an extrovert personality and a penchant for opulent attire and style-setting.

The name Georgiana was also shared by a particular abundantly denounced English abstract artist who had dabbled in the occult, namely Georgiana Houghton (April 20th, 1814 – March 24th, 1884). Incidentally, both her and a brother of hers were likely named after their father George.

Add to this list Georgiana Darcy, albeit she is but the fictional character in Jane Austen’s 1813 classic literary work entitled Pride and Prejudice.

Useful Resources

Discover the meaning and popularity of other English girls’ names.