William & Kate name their son HRH Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge

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.

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168 Responses to “William & Kate name their son HRH Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge”

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  1. Pinky says:
    July 24, 2013 at 3:59 pm

    Aww. Sweet. And all of you who bet on George . . . congrats?

  2. ParisPucker says:
    July 24, 2013 at 4:00 pm

    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:/

    • Anna says:
      July 24, 2013 at 4:22 pm

      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.

    • Miss Bennett says:
      July 24, 2013 at 4:23 pm

      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.

      • Beatrice says:
        July 24, 2013 at 4:34 pm

        I’m with you!! George is a great name and a touching tribute to Queen Elizabeth’s father.

      • Anna says:
        July 24, 2013 at 4:48 pm

        Whose actual (birth & private) name was not George…

      • Bored suburbanhousewife says:
        July 24, 2013 at 5:00 pm

        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.

      • Esmom says:
        July 24, 2013 at 5:27 pm

        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.

      • Beatrice says:
        July 24, 2013 at 6:33 pm

        Queen Elizabeth’s father was named Albert Frederick Arthur George. George was one of his names although he was known as Bertie.

      • ParisPucker says:
        July 24, 2013 at 6:50 pm

        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.

      • Boxy Lady says:
        July 24, 2013 at 8:29 pm

        @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?!

      • Rae says:
        July 25, 2013 at 12:51 am

        Well said @Miss Bennett.

      • ParisPucker says:
        July 25, 2013 at 1:19 am

        @ 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…

    • Elisabeth says:
      July 24, 2013 at 8:34 pm

      this is the future king of England….I’m not sure how well ‘King Braydyn Jaymes Tyler Aiden Cambridge’ would go over.

    • Teddy says:
      July 25, 2013 at 1:17 am

      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.

  3. Janet says:
    July 24, 2013 at 4:00 pm

    George? Ugh. I always loathed that name.

  4. gogoGorilla says:
    July 24, 2013 at 4:01 pm

    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.

  5. Relli says:
    July 24, 2013 at 4:01 pm

    Cute, I like it!

    UGH I like how E! is already pushing for North West pairing… as if!

  6. Rux says:
    July 24, 2013 at 4:02 pm

    Zzzzzzzzzzz. As soon as I hear George I think of Clooney.

  7. blue marie says:
    July 24, 2013 at 4:02 pm

    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!!

  8. Talie says:
    July 24, 2013 at 4:04 pm

    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.

  9. CG says:
    July 24, 2013 at 4:05 pm

    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).

  10. Sandy says:
    July 24, 2013 at 4:07 pm

    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.

  11. mslewis says:
    July 24, 2013 at 4:07 pm

    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.

  12. Amberly says:
    July 24, 2013 at 4:07 pm

    So now Rose from the links post can eat crow as there has now been an entry posted at 4:00 lol

  13. spiderkitty says:
    July 24, 2013 at 4:08 pm

    Boring like his parents

  14. Mia says:
    July 24, 2013 at 4:09 pm

    Awww,congrats to them. I liked Arthur but George is a good name.

  15. Lala says:
    July 24, 2013 at 4:09 pm

    Georgie is a cute nickname, although all I can think of Estelle Costanza where I hear it lol

  16. bettyrose says:
    July 24, 2013 at 4:10 pm

    At least they worked Alexander in there, but I was pulling for that as the first name.

  17. Sarah says:
    July 24, 2013 at 4:10 pm

    Eh, I was pulling for James. The whole name is very stuffy sounding. I hope he gets a great nickname.

  18. m says:
    July 24, 2013 at 4:11 pm

    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!”

  19. Turvioletviolet says:
    July 24, 2013 at 4:12 pm

    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.

  20. Ruth Dunbar says:
    July 24, 2013 at 4:13 pm

    We can just start referring to him as Little G.

  21. GiGi says:
    July 24, 2013 at 4:14 pm

    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 ;)

  22. Meggin says:
    July 24, 2013 at 4:20 pm

    I think it’s sweet! Definitely beats North West!! Lol

  23. Mllejuliette says:
    July 24, 2013 at 4:20 pm

    I like it. George Alexander Louis flows well, and as others have pointed out, it’s a classic, timeless name.

  24. Tess says:
    July 24, 2013 at 4:22 pm

    Adorable baby and very happy for them, but George? Ugh. I loathe the name George

  25. Bored suburbanhousewife says:
    July 24, 2013 at 4:24 pm

    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!

  26. MAP says:
    July 24, 2013 at 4:24 pm

    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.

    • NYC_girl says:
      July 24, 2013 at 4:33 pm

      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.

      • m says:
        July 24, 2013 at 5:15 pm

        Queen Victoria didnt love Albert, she was obsessed with him! Quite creepy really.

      • Suse says:
        July 24, 2013 at 5:56 pm

        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…

  27. ray says:
    July 24, 2013 at 4:34 pm

    Lol Carlos Danger. Made me choke.

  28. AH says:
    July 24, 2013 at 4:34 pm

    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.

  29. MavenTheFirst says:
    July 24, 2013 at 4:38 pm

    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.

  30. Skipper says:
    July 24, 2013 at 4:39 pm

    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?

  31. samr says:
    July 24, 2013 at 4:49 pm

    (((((((((((( SUMMER OF GEORGE ))))))))))))

  32. audrey says:
    July 24, 2013 at 5:01 pm

    i was rooting for james. it’s super cute but not out there

  33. Janet says:
    July 24, 2013 at 5:01 pm

    Well, I suppose we (and he) should be grateful they didn’t name him Humphrey.

  34. Lem says:
    July 24, 2013 at 5:06 pm

    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.

  35. T.C. says:
    July 24, 2013 at 5:15 pm

    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.

  36. Camille (TheOriginal) says:
    July 24, 2013 at 5:18 pm

    Lovely name. I like it.

  37. janie says:
    July 24, 2013 at 5:21 pm

    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!

  38. Londerland says:
    July 24, 2013 at 5:23 pm

    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!”

  39. dandy says:
    July 24, 2013 at 5:30 pm

    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..

  40. lurker says:
    July 24, 2013 at 5:36 pm

    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.

  41. Elizabeth says:
    July 24, 2013 at 5:39 pm

    Do the Brits pronounce Louis as Lou-iss or Lou-eee?

  42. Jane says:
    July 24, 2013 at 5:47 pm

    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.”

    • Christin says:
      July 24, 2013 at 6:14 pm

      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.

      • Jane says:
        July 24, 2013 at 6:39 pm

        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.

  43. Rachel R says:
    July 24, 2013 at 5:52 pm

    My youngest son’s name is Alexander. So, y’know, I’m all on board with that name.

  44. Christin says:
    July 24, 2013 at 5:55 pm

    Completely agree! Classic, solid name choice.

  45. Mari says:
    July 24, 2013 at 6:00 pm

    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!!!

  46. Lina says:
    July 24, 2013 at 6:11 pm

    The first thing I thought when I read that name was about Seinfeld.

  47. May May says:
    July 24, 2013 at 6:22 pm

    Georgie Porgie, Puddin’ and Pie,
    Kissed the girls and made them cry…

  48. Janet says:
    July 24, 2013 at 6:22 pm

    So will they call him Georgie or Geordie? Or does Geordie sound too Scotch?

  49. Tulip says:
    July 24, 2013 at 6:30 pm

    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.

  50. LeeBlaylock says:
    July 24, 2013 at 6:41 pm

    I LOVE the name George.

  51. Amanda says:
    July 24, 2013 at 6:54 pm

    I like it. It’s a very strong name. I think there will be many little Georges born in the near future.

  52. apsutter says:
    July 24, 2013 at 6:56 pm

    I can’t get over that top pic of Kate. That’s the happiest and most comfortable she’s looked since they were married.

  53. LAK says:
    July 24, 2013 at 6:58 pm

    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

  54. CC says:
    July 24, 2013 at 7:04 pm

    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?

  55. Itsa Reallyme says:
    July 24, 2013 at 7:40 pm

    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.

  56. Diana Prince says:
    July 24, 2013 at 7:48 pm

    George Alexander Louis

    Are also all the first names of three of his first cousins on his mother’s side of the family.

  57. Cuckoo says:
    July 24, 2013 at 8:03 pm

    Henry isn’t Henry, he’s our lovely Harry. I think Geordie is an adorable baby name.

  58. Aud says:
    July 24, 2013 at 8:30 pm

    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.

  59. MademoiselleRose says:
    July 24, 2013 at 8:33 pm

    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?

  60. princesslizabeth says:
    July 24, 2013 at 8:34 pm

    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! :)

  61. Sunnyjyl says:
    July 24, 2013 at 8:53 pm

    Prince Georgie. Cute.

  62. Mourning the Death of Music says:
    July 24, 2013 at 9:16 pm

    I do like the name George, just not in this case. To be completely honest, I’m rather disappointed in the name.

  63. Kori says:
    July 24, 2013 at 9:57 pm

    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.

  64. Jess says:
    July 24, 2013 at 10:08 pm

    Did anyone else notice that the baby’s initials are GAL? Eh. That’s going to be a sore spot when he gets older.

  65. Dirty Martini says:
    July 24, 2013 at 10:42 pm

    Oh no! He will be rotound and referred to as Prince Gorge. I see it now!

  66. MiMi says:
    July 24, 2013 at 10:45 pm

    I would’ve liked to see Spencer in there somewhere

  67. Eden75 says:
    July 25, 2013 at 12:22 am

    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.)

  68. raincoaster says:
    July 25, 2013 at 2:06 am

    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.

  69. Minx2 says:
    July 25, 2013 at 3:13 am

    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

  70. KLO says:
    July 25, 2013 at 3:54 am

    I think George is an awfully cute name for a baby boy :)

  71. Lindy79 says:
    July 25, 2013 at 6:21 am

    I was hoping for Morrissey…just to annoy him

    Ah well.

  72. Jenn says:
    July 25, 2013 at 10:43 am

    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

  73. Mandy says:
    July 25, 2013 at 11:46 am

    I don’t mind it. It’s a good, strong name. I do wish he would be called Alexander instead of George, though.

  74. ValinFL says:
    July 26, 2013 at 7:17 am

    Would like to have seen Spencer in there somewhere.