George is an English version of the Greek name Georgios (Γεώργιος), which comes from the Greek word georgos (γεωργός) meaning "earthworker" or "farmer" (derived from ge (γῆ) - "earth" and ergon (ἔργον) - "work"). The name originally gained popularity due to its association with the Christian martyr, Saint George, known in legend for slaying a dragon. Although it remains a relatively common male name, it is not as popular as it once was in the 19th and 20th centuries.