"rule of the spear, spear ruler"
Origin: Germanic
Language: English
Gerald
Pronunciation: [ j-EHR-uhld ]
Does Gerald flow with your last name?
A Norman warrior name with deep American roots
English
Irish
American
Classic
Traditional
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Strong
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
"powerful spearman"
Origin: Old High German
Language: English
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Things to Know About This Name
- Considered quite dated, associated primarily with men born in the 1920s-1950s
The Story of Gerald
Gerald derives from the Germanic elements ger (spear) and wald (rule), literally meaning rule of the spear or spear ruler. Introduced to England by the Normans after 1066, it spread through the medieval Catholic world via Saint Gerald of Aurillac (855-909), a nobleman known for his sanctity and justice. The powerful Norman-Irish Fitzgerald family, known as the Geraldines, were descendants of Gerald of Windsor.
Gerald peaked in the US in the 1920s-1940s, when it was a top-20 name. President Gerald Ford, born 1913, was the name's most prominent bearer. As generations turn over, Gerald has become a classic grandpa name: not yet vintage enough for the hipster revival that has brought back names like Hank and Clyde.
Gerald of Wales (Giraldus Cambrensis) was a 12th-century Welsh clergyman and prolific chronicler whose writings are invaluable historical documents. In Ireland, the Geraldines (Fitzgerald dynasty) were one of the most powerful Norman-Irish families for centuries.
Historical Record
Gerald first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 198,600 babies have been named Gerald in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Gerald is past its peak , currently ranked #1,168 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- President Gerald Ford was born Leslie Lynch King Jr. and was renamed after his stepfather Gerald Rudolf Ford Sr.
- The Fitzgerald dynasty in Ireland, known as the Geraldines, were descendants of a Gerald and became one of Ireland's most powerful families
- Jerry Springer, born Gerald Norman Springer, was one of television's most controversial hosts for decades
Gerald in Other Languages
Irish
Gearoid
French
Gerald
German
Gerald
Polish
Gerold
Italian
Geraldo
Spanish
Geraldo
Portuguese
Geraldo
Popularity Over Time
#1,168
Current Rank
Peaked 1950
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Gerald
J
Jerry Springer
Entertainer
1944
Born Gerald Norman Springer, American television host known for The Jerry Springer Show
G
Gerald Durrell
Writer
1925
British naturalist, author, and zookeeper who founded Jersey Zoo, known for his humorous memoirs including My Family and...
British naturalist, author, and zookeeper who founded Jersey Zoo, known for his humorous memoirs including My Family and Other Animals
G
Gerald Ford
Politician
1913
38th President of the United States, the only person to serve as both Vice President and President without being elected...
38th President of the United States, the only person to serve as both Vice President and President without being elected to either office
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,168
- Total SSA Count
- 178
- Cultural Origins
- English Irish American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Gerry
Jerry
Ger
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Gerald
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Gerald is also used as a girl name, ranked #11647.
View Gerald as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Gerald
What does the name Gerald mean?
"rule of the spear, spear ruler" (from Germanic). "powerful spearman" (from Old High German). Gerald derives from the Germanic elements ger (spear) and wald (rule), literally meaning rule of the spear or spear ruler. Introduced to England by the Normans after 1066, it spread through the medieval Catholic world via Saint Gerald of Aurillac (855-909), a nobleman known for his sanctity and justice. The powerful Norman-Irish Fitzgerald family, known as the Geraldines, were descendants of Gerald of Windsor.
What is the origin of the name Gerald?
Gerald has Germanic, Old High German, English, Irish, and American origins. In Germanic, it means "rule of the spear, spear ruler". In Old High German, it means "powerful spearman".
Is Gerald a boy or girl name?
Gerald is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1168. As a girl name, it is ranked #11647. Gerald is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Gerald?
Gerald is pronounced j-EHR-uhld.
How popular is the name Gerald?
Gerald is currently ranked #1168 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Gerald?
Common nicknames for Gerald include Gerry, Jerry, and Ger.
What are good middle names for Gerald?
Popular middle name pairings include Gerald Thomas, Gerald Edward, Gerald Francis, Gerald Michael, Gerald Lee, and Gerald Wayne.
What are good sibling names for Gerald?
Names that pair well with Gerald as siblings include Donald, Ronald, Harold, Barbara, Judith, and Patricia.
How many syllables does Gerald have?
Gerald has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Gerald a common or rare name?
Gerald is an uncommon name, ranked #1168 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Gerald?
About the Name Gerald
Gerald is a boy name with English, Irish, and American origins . The name means "rule of the spear, spear ruler" in Germanic .
Is Gerald a boy or girl name? Gerald is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,168 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #11,647. Gerald is more commonly used as a boy name.
Gerald is currently ranked #1,168 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Gerald has 2 syllables and is pronounced j-EHR-uhld, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Gerald include Gerry, Jerry, and Ger. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Gerald include Gerardo, Gerard . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis