"sacred name"
Origin: Greek
Language: Greek
Geronimo
Pronunciation: [ j-uhr-AWN-ihm-oh ]
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The Apache warrior who made a name immortal
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Meaning & Origin
"Spanish form of Jerome"
Origin: Spanish
Language: Spanish
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The Story of Geronimo
Geronimo is the Spanish and Italian form of Jerome, which traces back to the Greek Hieronymos meaning sacred name (hieros = sacred, onoma = name). The name became globally iconic through Goyaale, the legendary Apache war leader given the Spanish name Geronimo by Mexican soldiers—reportedly because they cried out that name when he made a daring leap from a cliff to escape capture.
The name is best known through the Apache leader who resisted U.S. and Mexican government forces for decades. In the 20th century, Geronimo became a popular exclamation shouted by paratroopers jumping from aircraft—a tradition starting in 1940 at Fort Benning. The name gained renewed attention when used as a code name during the 2011 raid that killed Osama bin Laden.
To the Chiricahua Apache, Goyaale was a spiritual leader and warrior who fought to protect his people. His Spanish name Geronimo has become a global symbol of resistance and defiance. In Hispanic and Italian cultures, it remains a traditional religious name honoring Saint Jerome, the scholar who translated the Bible into Latin.
Historical Record
Geronimo first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 2,479 babies have been named Geronimo in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Geronimo is past its peak , currently ranked #3,408 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- U.S. paratroopers have shouted Geronimo when jumping since 1940, starting when Private Aubrey Eberhardt read a Geronimo biography the night before his first jump
- Geronimo's Apache name Goyaale means one who yawns—far less dramatic than his legacy
Geronimo in Other Languages
Greek
Hieronymos
Latin
Hieronymus
Italian
Geronimo
Spanish
Geronimo
Popularity Over Time
#3,408
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1977
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Geronimo
G
Geronimo
Military
1829
Chiricahua Apache leader who led resistance against U.S. and Mexican governments for over 25 years
H
Hieronymus Bosch
Artist
1450
Dutch Renaissance painter famous for fantastical works like The Garden of Earthly Delights
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Compare Geronimo with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 4
- Popularity Rank
- #3,408
- Total SSA Count
- 34
- Cultural Origins
- Spanish Italian Native American American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Geri
Jerry
Ronnie
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Geronimo
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Geronimo
What does the name Geronimo mean?
"sacred name" (from Greek). "Spanish form of Jerome" (from Spanish). Geronimo is the Spanish and Italian form of Jerome, which traces back to the Greek Hieronymos meaning sacred name (hieros = sacred, onoma = name). The name became globally iconic through Goyaale, the legendary Apache war leader given the Spanish name Geronimo by Mexican soldiers—reportedly because they cried out that name when he made a daring leap from a cliff to escape capture.
What is the origin of the name Geronimo?
Geronimo has Greek, Spanish, Italian, Native American, and American origins. In Greek, it means "sacred name". In Spanish, it means "Spanish form of Jerome".
Is Geronimo a boy or girl name?
Geronimo is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Geronimo?
Geronimo is pronounced j-uhr-AWN-ihm-oh.
How popular is the name Geronimo?
Geronimo is currently ranked #3408 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Geronimo?
Common nicknames for Geronimo include Geri, Jerry, and Ronnie.
What are good middle names for Geronimo?
Popular middle name pairings include Geronimo James, Geronimo Lee, Geronimo Cruz, Geronimo Miguel, Geronimo Antonio, and Geronimo Ray.
What are good sibling names for Geronimo?
Names that pair well with Geronimo as siblings include Alejandro, Cruz, Lorenzo, Isabella, Valentina, and Diego.
How many syllables does Geronimo have?
Geronimo has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Geronimo a common or rare name?
Geronimo is an uncommon name, ranked #3408 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Geronimo
Geronimo is a boy name with Spanish, Italian, Native American, and American origins . The name means "sacred name" in Greek .
Geronimo is currently ranked #3,408 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Geronimo has 4 syllables and is pronounced j-uhr-AWN-ihm-oh, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Geronimo include Geri, Jerry, and Ronnie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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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