The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have announced their new son's name: George Alexander Louis, or HRH Prince George of Cambridge.

This toes the line with tradition but we can't help noticing that they ignored a few more adventurous options. A quick look back at William's family tree reveals these zany names from royal history:

Augustus

It's a radical option, but the name Augustus comes from impressive royal lineage. Augustus was the title given to Octavian, the first Roman emperor, and also Augustus II the Strong, King of Poland in the 1600s. Prince Augustus Frederick, Duke of Sussex, was also the sixth son of "Mad King" George III. It's derived from Latin, meaning "to increase," "great" or "venerable".

Ernest

Ernest is a Germanic name, literally meaning Earnest or serious. Ernest I, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha was a Prussian general and participated in military actions against Napoleon. He was also the great-great-great-grandfather of Queen Elizabeth II and named one of his illegitimate children Ernst.

ABOVE: Queen Elizabeth II with her baby son Charles in 1948 and below, Kate and William with new arrival George

Humphrey

Humphrey is derived from German origins and means "peaceful warrior" - a person who brings warmth, charm and pleasure to others. Much more than just a cat name, then. Humphrey of Lancaster was born in 1390 as the 1st Duke of Gloucester and 1st Earl of Pembroke. He was the youngest son of Henry IV in House of Plantagenet dynasty.

Jasper

Jasper has seen a recent surge in popularity but its roots lie in ancient Persia, meaning "treasurer; spotted stone." Jasper Tudor, 1st Duke of Bedford, was the uncle of King Henry VII of England and the brains behind his successful conquest of England and Wales in 1485.

Leopold

Leopold is an old German name, meaning "brave people." Leopold I of Belgium himself was a courageous man - he was the first King of the Belgians, following Belgium's independence from the Netherlands. He was also Queen Victoria’s uncle and a key influencer in the early days of her monarchy. He even helped to arrange her marriage to Prince Albert.

Picture credit: Rex Features