Gerald vs Carl

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Gerald

Boy #1,168 Most Popular 2 Syllables

"rule of the spear, spear ruler"

Origin: Germanic

English Irish American

✓ All Clear

Boy #1,035 Most Popular 1 Syllable

"free man"

Origin: Old High German 'karl'

English American German Scandinavian

✓ All Clear

Gerald Rank #1,168

Carl Rank #1,035

Carl is more popular, ranked #1035 vs #1168 for Gerald.

Is Gerald or Carl more popular?

Carl is more popular, ranked #1035 compared to Gerald at #1168 in the United States.

What do Gerald and Carl mean?

Gerald means "rule of the spear, spear ruler" (Germanic origin). Carl means "free man" (Old High German 'karl' origin).

Are Gerald and Carl boy or girl names?

Gerald is primarily a boy name. Carl is primarily a boy name.