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Gabriel m., Gabrielle f.

From Hebrew, containing the elements ‘God’, ‘man’ and ‘strength’, and possibly implying the phrase ‘strong man of God’ or ‘God is my strength’. In St Luke’s Gospel, Gabriel is the Archangel who announces to Mary that she is to bear the baby Jesus. Use as a first name used to be restricted to Ireland, where it can be shortened to GAY, but it is now increasingly fashionable elsewhere. Gabrielle, a French form, or the Italian Gabriella, the female forms, are much more common. A short form is Gaby.

Gaenor see Jennifer

Gaia f.

In Greek myth Gaea or Gaia is the earth goddess, the universal mother, probably once the most important divinity. Her name is occasionally found used as a first name, usually with ‘green’ or feminist overtones. It was recently used by the actress Emma Thompson.

Gail f.

Originally a pet form of ABIGAIL, now widely used as a name in its own right. The spellings Gale and Gayle are also found.

Gaius see Caius

Galal, Galil, Galila see Jalal

Ganesh m.

A title of the Hindu god SHIVA, and the name of his elder son, derived from the Sanskrit for ‘lord of the hosts’. It is customary to appease Ganesh at the beginning of Hindu ceremonies.

Gareth m.

From the Welsh meaning ‘gentle’. This name was used for one of King Arthur’s knights by the 15th-century writer Malory in his Morte d’Arthur, and later by Alfred Tennyson, the 19th-century poet, in his version of Malory’s story, Gareth and Lynnette. It was due to the latter that the name was revived in the 20th century. Garth and GARY or Garry can be used as short forms.

Garfield m.

A surname meaning ‘spearfield’ in Old English, used as a first name, probably after J.A. Garfield (1831–81), 20th president of the USA. The cricketer Sir Garfield (Gary) Sobers is a well-known holder of the name, and also shows its short form.

Garret, Garrett see Gerard

Garth, Garry see Gareth

Gary m.

While this can be used as a short form of both GARETH and GARFIELD, its use as an independent name owes much to the film star Gary Cooper (1901–61). He was born Frank James Cooper, and chose his stage name from the American town of Gary. Garry is also found, reflecting the usual pronunciation, although Gary Cooper pronounced his name to rhyme with ‘airy’.

Gaspar, Gaspard see Jasper

Gaston m.

A French name, originally spelt Gascon and meaning a man from the region of Gascony. It is a common French first name which has been used occasionally in Britain.

Gauri f.

This name is from the Sanskrit for ‘white’, and was applied to the wife of the Hindu god SHIVA when she had acquired a fair complexion after meditating in the snows of the Himalayas.

Gavin m.

The name of Sir Gawain, King Arthur’s famous nephew, was Gauvin in Old French, and from France was adopted in Scotland as Gavin. Originally confined to Scotland, the name is now found throughout the English-speaking world.

Gay(e) f.

This name is simply the adjective meaning happy and lively, and its use dates from the 20th century. Since the adoption of the word ‘gay’ by the homosexual community, few parents have used the name. In Ireland Gay is a short form of the boy’s name GABRIEL.

Gayle see Gail

Gaynor see Jennifer

Geena see Gina

Geeta see Gita

Gemma f.

The Italian word for ‘gem’. Its modern use is probably due in part to the Italian saint Gemma Galgani (1875–1903), canonised in 1940. Rare before the 1980s it then became one of the most popular names in the country. It is also spelt Jemma.

Gene see Eugene

Genevieve f.

A French name possibly meaning ‘lady of the people’. It is found in Latin records as Genovera and Genoveva. St Genevieve is the patron saint of Paris; she saved the city from the Huns in the 5th century by cool thinking, courage and prayer. The name has been used in Britain since the 19th century. French pet forms are GINA, Ginette and Veva.

Geoffrey, Jeffrey m.

From the Old German Gaufrid the second half of which means ‘peace’, but the meaning of the first half is unclear. Geoffrey or Jeffrey was popular between the 12th and 15th centuries in England resulting in many surnames e.g. Jeffries, Jeeves, Jepson. It fell from favour from the 15th until the 19th century, when it was revived. Geoff and Jeff are common abbreviations.

George m.

From the Greek for ‘farmer’. The famous St George is said to have been a Roman soldier who was martyred in Palestine in AD 303. In early Christian art many saints were represented as trampling on dragons, as a symbol of good conquering evil. This may be an explanation of how the legend of St George and the dragon originated. In the Middle Ages, St George was closely associated with knighthood and chivalry, and after 1349, when Edward III of England founded the Order of the Garter and put it under St George’s protection, he became the patron saint of England. Despite this, the name was not much used until the Hanoverian succession in 1714 brought a line of four Georges to the throne. It is currently popular with parents. Geordie is a Scottish and North Country pet form which is used as a nickname for Tynesiders; Georgie is more common elsewhere.

Georgina f.

Georgina and Georgia, the most common female forms of GEORGE, are both a popular choice at the moment. They were first used in Britain in the 18th century, when George became popular. The commonest form then was Georgiana, which is still sometimes used. Other feminine forms of George are Georgette and Georgine.

Ger, Gerry see Gerald, Gerard

Geraint m.

This is a very old Welsh name, a variant form of the Latin Gerontius, which is in turn derived from a Greek word meaning ‘old’. The 19th-century poet Alfred Tennyson used the old Welsh story of Geraint and Enid in his Idylls of the King, and it was from this that the name’s modern use has stemmed. The real-life hero on which the fictional character is based died in battle about AD 530.

Gerald m.

From the Old German, meaning ‘spear rule’. It was used in England from the 11th to the 12th century and was probably introduced by the Normans. The name flourished in Ireland due to the influence of the Fitzgerald (‘Sons of Gerald’) family, the powerful rulers of Kildare. It was probably from Ireland that the name returned to England in the late 19th century. Shortened forms are Ger, Gerry and Jerry.

Geraldine f.

Geraldine started life as a poetic nickname used by the 16th-century Earl of Surrey, in a poem praising the beauty of Lady Elizabeth Fitzgerald. Geraldine therefore means ‘one of the Fitzgeralds’. It shares short forms with GERALD.

Gerard m.

From the Old German, meaning ‘spear-brave’. It was brought to Britain by Norman settlers and was very common in the Middle Ages. The surnames Gerrard and Garret(t) are derived from it, and these were the most common medieval pronunciations of the name, although it is not always possible to distinguish between forms of Gerard and GERALD. Ger, Gerry and Jerry are its short forms.

Germaine f.

Several early saints bore this name, which probably indicated someone who came from Germany, in the way that FRANCIS indicated a Frenchman. Germaine is little used in English-speaking countries, but has been made well known by the writer and academic Germaine Greer. Jermain(e) is a form of the French Germain, which is quite popular in the USA, and is also found as Jermyn.

Gerry see Gerald, Geraldine, Gerard

Gertrude f.

From the Old German for ‘strong spear’. The name came to Britain in the Middle Ages from the Netherlands, where a saint of that name was popular. It was much used in the 19th and earlier 20th centuries, but is not often chosen by parents now. Pet forms are Gert or Gertie, and Trudi, Trudie or Trudy come from a German pet form of the name.

Gervais, Gervase m.

From the Old German meaning ‘spear vassal’ or ‘armour bearer’. The name was first used among English churchmen of the 12th-century in honour of the 1st-century martyr St Gervase. It spread to the general public, giving rise to the surname Jarvis. Gervais is the French spelling.

Geunor see Jennifer

Ghislaine f.

This is an Old French name, related to GISELLE and meaning ‘pledge, hostage’. It has only come to be used in Britain comparatively recently. It is also found in the forms Ghislane and Ghislain, although in France this last form is used for boys. It is pronounced with a hard ‘g’ and the ‘s’ is silent.

Gianna f.

A short form of the Italian name Giovanna, feminine of Giovanni, or JOHN. Use of Gianna is currently increasing in the USA. Other short forms of Giovanna include Gina, Giannina and Vanna.

Gib see Gilbert

Gideon m.

From the Hebrew, now generally thought to mean ‘having a stump for a hand’, although the traditional translation was ‘a hewer’. It is the name of an Old Testament Israelite leader who put the forces of the Midianites to flight. The name was adopted at the Reformation and was a favourite among the Puritans who took it to North America where it is still in use.

Gigi f.

This name became well known in 1958, when the novel Gigi by the French writer Colette was made into a successful musical film. In the book Gigi is the pet form of Gilberte, the French feminine form of GILBERT.

Gilbert m.

From the Old German meaning ‘bright hostage’. The Normans brought the name to England and it was common in medieval times, when St Gilbert of Sempringham (died 1189) was much admired. Shortened forms are Gib, Gilly, BERT and Bertie.

Giles m.

According to legend, St Giles was an Athenian who took his name, Aegidius, from the goatskin that he wore. He left Greece in order to escape the fame that his miracles had brought him, and became a hermit in France. There the name became Gilles. The name is first recorded in England in the 12th century, but it was not popular. It has been suggested that this may be because of St Giles’s association with beggars and cripples, of whom he is the patron saint. However, recent years have seen an increase in its popularity. It is sometimes spelt Gyles.

Gillian f.

This name, which is an English rendering of the Latin name JULIANA, was so common in the Middle Ages that its short form, Gill, was used as a general term for a girl, as Jack was for a man. It was revived in the 20th century and once again became very popular. A variant form is Jillian, and Jill, the abbreviated form, is now given as an independent name. Jilly is also found.

Gilly see Gilbert

Gina f.

A short form of such names as GEORGINA and Regina (see QUEENIE), now used as an independent name. In France, Gina and Ginette are pet forms of GENEVIEVE and it is also a short form of the Italian GIANNA. Geena is also found.

Ginette see Genevieve, Gina

Gini, Ginny see Virginia

Giovanna, Giovanni see Gianna

Giselle f.

From the Old German meaning a ‘pledge’ or ‘hostage’. Gisèle has for a long time been a common French name, and the English form Giselle and the latinised Gisela have been used in Britain (see also GHISLAINE).

Gita f.

An Indian name from the Sanskrit meaning ‘song’. Geeta is a popular alternative spelling.

Giulia, Giulietta see Julia

Gladys f.

This is the anglicised form of Gwladys, which means ‘ruler’. It is recorded in Wales as early as the 5th century, but only moved into the mainstream of names in the 19th century. In the earlier part of the 20th century it was very popular, but in recent decades it has become less fashionable. It is often shortened to Glad.

Glen(n), Glyn(n) f. and m.

These are both forms of Celtic words for ‘a valley’. In the last forty years they have become popular names throughout the English-speaking world. Glenna and Glenne are also found for girls.

Glenda f.

This is a Welsh name meaning ‘holy and good’.

Glenys f.

From the Welsh meaning ‘holy’. It is spelt in a variety of ways, including Glen(n)is, Glennys and Glenice (see also GLYNIS).

Gloria f.

This is Latin for ‘glory’ or ‘fame’. The name seems to have been coined by George Bernard Shaw (1889) in his play You Never Can Tell. It was very common in the first half of the 20th century.

Glyn(n) see Glen

Glynis f.

From the Welsh for ‘a little valley’, and thus related to GLEN and Glyn. It can be spelt Glinys, and is often confused with GLENYS.

Gobind see Govind

Godfrey m.

From the Old German meaning ‘God’s peace’. It was brought to Britain by the Normans.

Gopal m.

This Indian name can be taken to mean ‘a devotee of Krishna’. It derives from the Sanskrit words meaning ‘cow-protector’, indicating a cowherd, but the name was applied to Krishna in medieval devotional texts. In southern India the name is sometimes given as Gopalkrishna.

Gordon m.

Originally a Scottish place name from which the local lords took their name, it then became the name of a large and famous clan. It was rarely used as a first name until 1885, when the dramatic death of General Gordon at Khartoum gave the name immense popularity.

Govind m., Govindi f.

This Indian name is similar to Gopal, deriving from the Sanskrit words which mean ‘cow-finding’, a reference to a cowherd, but the 12th-century Song of Govind associated the name firmly with Krishna. Sikhs often make use of the form Gobind for boys.

Grace f.

The vocabulary word, originally used in its religious sense. This name existed as Gracia, the Latin form, in the Middle Ages but did not become common until the Puritans adopted Grace along with other Christian qualities as a name. The pet form Gracie is sometimes given as a separate name, and forms from other languages, such as Gracia, Graciela, Gratia and Grazia are also found.

Graham m.

Like GORDON, this was originally a place name which developed into a family name, particularly on the Scottish/English border. At first restricted to this area, it gradually came into general use as a first name. Graeme and Grahame are also found.

Grainne, Grania f.

In Irish and Scottish legend, Grainne was a princess betrothed to FINN, the famous chieftain. However Grainne preferred DERMOT and eloped with him. The story of Finn’s pursuit of the couple and Grainne’s suicide after Finn brought about Dermot’s death is an important subject in Irish literature. Grania is the anglicised form of the name, reflecting the pronunciation ‘grahn-ya’.

Grant m.

A surname from the French for ‘tall, large’ used as a first name. It seems to have come to this country from the USA, where its use may have been connected with the popularity of General Ulysses Grant (1822–85), the 18th President. But as it is a common Scots surname there is no reason why the name would not have developed independently in the UK.

Gregory m.

From the Greek meaning ‘watchman’. The name first came to Britain through St Gregory the Great, the pope who sent St Augustine to England. It was in common use from the Norman Conquest, when most Latin names were introduced, until the Reformation when, because of its association with the papacy, it fell out of favour. Gregour was the usual medieval form, which is still found as Gregor in Scotland, and hence the surname MacGregor. The most common shortened form is Greg.

Greta f.

A Swedish abbreviation of MARGARET. It was rare in England until the 20th century, when the fame of the film actress Greta Garbo led to some parents using it. Gretel and Gretchen are the German forms.

Griffith m.

From the Welsh name Gruffud or Gruffydd, meaning ‘lord’ or ‘strong warrior’. It has always been fairly popular in Wales, and was the name of several Welsh princes. Griff is a pet form.

Griselda f.

The meaning of this old Germanic name is disputed, but it may mean ‘grey battle-maiden’. Chaucer told the story of Patient Griselda in the Canterbury Tales, which encouraged its use by parents who wanted meek and virtuous daughters. Grizel is an old Scots form which is little used nowadays, and Zelda started as a short form.

Guendolen see Gwendolyn

Guenevere, Guinevere see Jennifer

Gulab f.

A Hindu flower name, from the Sanskrit for ‘rose’.

Gus, Gussie see Augusta

Guy m.

From the Old German Wido, the meaning of which is uncertain, possibly ‘wide’ or ‘wood’. Wido became Guido in Latin records and Guy was the French form introduced to Britain by the Normans. Medieval clergy identified the name with the Latin Vitus meaning ‘lively’, hence the disease St Vitus’ Dance is known in France as la danse de Saint Guy. St Vitus was a Sicilian martyr who was invoked for the cure of nervous ailments. Guy fell out of use after Guy Fawkes’ gunpowder plot of 1605. It was revived in the 19th century with the help of Walter Scott’s novel, Guy Mannering.