Prince George was almost called this ‘classic’ baby name

While it’s hard to imagine any of the Wales children going by any other name, did you know the Princess of Wales had a different name in mind for her eldest son, Prince George?

In his upcoming book, William and Catherine, The Monarchy’s New Era: The Inside Story, Russell Myers explained that while expecting her first child, of whom they did not find out the sex prior to the birth, she “spent hours” researching names for their first baby.

According to excerpts published in The Mirror on Kate was keen on Alexander or Alexandra, while William wanted to include a tribute to his late mother, Princess Diana, if they had a girl.

“Catherine had her heart set on Alexander for a boy or Alexandra (also Queen Elizabeth’s middle name) for a girl. William had privately voiced his preference for having a girl, and was keen to incorporate a tribute to his late mother, most likely in the form of a middle name,” he wrote.

Adding: “The couple had been given a book of baby names by a close friend, which they spent hours thumbing through – they often ended up in fits of laughter after one or the other had presented a more left-field suggestion.”

© Samir Hussein/WireImage

According to the excerpt, while Kate would run potential names past her fellow mum friends, William would surprise his press team by suggesting unexpected names, and would begin meetings by asking, “What do you think about Rodney for a boy, or maybe Graham?” and pause for a response before erupting in laughter. 

According to etymology, while Alexander is a classic name, it is also derived from the Greek word Alexandros, which means “defending men.” Therefore, it has always been categorised as a very strong and masculine name. 

Eventually, according to Russell, the couple settled on George as their preferred boys names.

Steeped with meaning

Despite not being the first choice, Alexander did make it into George’s name as his middle name. Meanwhile, Louis is also one of George’s middle names, giving him a sweet link to his little brother.

© UK Press via Getty Images, Antony Jones/Julian Parker/UK Press via Getty Images

Meanwhile, the future King and Queen honoured William’s late mother, Princess Diana, by making Diana one of Princess Charlotte’s middle names, also honouring his grandmother, including Elizabeth as another.