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.
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