Symbolic meanings behind Kate Middleton and Prince William's children's names revealed

Names are never just names when it comes to the Royal Family. The arrival of a new Royal baby always sparks anticipation among Royal enthusiasts, who eagerly await their first glimpse and the revelation of the chosen name - often accompanied by more middle names than typically given to children.

Royal names are steeped in history, with many chosen as tributes to past family members. For instance, Queen Elizabeth II's name has been given as a middle name to three of her granddaughters - Zara Tindall, Princess Beatrice, and Lady Louise Windsor.

The name Elizabeth itself carries historical weight, having been borne by Elizabeth I, one of the nation's most revered monarchs, as well as the late Queen Mother. It's no surprise that many Windsors have chosen to pass it on to the next generation.

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Typically, those higher up in the line of succession tend to stick to traditional names, while those less likely to become working royals have more leeway in their choices. This is evident in Beatrice's daughter Sienna, or Prince Harry's daughter Lilibet - a tribute to the late Queen using her private family nickname.

Prince William and Kate Middleton opted for traditional names for their children, considering that Prince George, 11, is likely to ascend the throne one day. His siblings - Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six - may also represent the crown in an official capacity when they grow up, reports the Mirror.

Prince George's full name is George Alexander Louis, a name befitting a future king if he decides to use it as his regal name. This would make him the seventh King George.

The last King George was Queen Elizabeth's father, King George VI, who unexpectedly became king after his elder brother, King Edward VIII, abdicated to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson. King George VI guided the country through World War II before dying from illness at just 56 in 1952.

According to Baby Centre, the name George has Greek roots and means "farmer" or "earthworker". In 2021, it was the third most popular baby name for boys, according to the Office of National Statistics.

Princess Charlotte's full name, Charlotte Elizabeth Diana, pays homage to her late grandmother, Princess Diana, and her great-grandmother, the late Queen. The name Charlotte has long been a favourite in the UK and carries significant Royal heritage.

Notably, Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz was the longest-serving Queen Consort of Great Britain from 1761 until her death in 1818, married to George III. Additionally, Charlotte is the feminine form of Charles, making it a subtle tribute to her grandfather, King Charles, with the name meaning "petite" or "free".

Prince Louis Arthur Charles, born in April 2018, also bears names steeped in Royal tradition. Louis honours the Earl of Mountbatten, the beloved great-uncle of both Charles and Prince Philip.

Arthur is a name with deep Royal roots and one of William's middle names, while Charles is a clear nod to the current King. The name Louis, which means "famous warrior", is derived from the French adaptation of the Germanic name Ludwig, as noted by Baby Centre.