George who?
The actual origin is in sixteenth century England, when the church was in turmoil and was attempting to exert itself and gain more control over the lives of the people. Swearing was blasphemy -- and brought either a fine or a penance. So instead of saying, 'by God,' people started saying 'by George' - and the church people couldn't do anything about it. It also became a useful prhase for women to use, because ladies couldn't swear, but a discreet, 'by George' was permitted. "Gosh darn" was another sublocutaion, which actually tiptoed around saying, "God Damn"
[pre] was used!