Gerald vs Ernest

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 #1,085 Most Popular 2 Syllables

"serious, determined, vigorous"

Origin: Old High German

English German French

✓ All Clear

Gerald Rank #1,168

Ernest Rank #1,085

Ernest is more popular, ranked #1085 vs #1168 for Gerald.

Is Gerald or Ernest more popular?

Ernest is more popular, ranked #1085 compared to Gerald at #1168 in the United States.

What do Gerald and Ernest mean?

Gerald means "rule of the spear, spear ruler" (Germanic origin). Ernest means "serious, determined, vigorous" (Old High German origin).

Are Gerald and Ernest boy or girl names?

Gerald is primarily a boy name. Ernest is primarily a boy name.