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Gerald vs Harold

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Gerald

Boy #1,168 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"rule of the spear, spear ruler"

Origin: Germanic

Cultural Roots

English Irish American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1,168
Total SSA Count
178
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate

Playground Safety Score

All Clear

Similar Names

Harold

Boy #991 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"army ruler, power of the army"

Origin: Old English

Cultural Roots

English Scandinavian American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#991
Total SSA Count
227
Syllables
2
Formality
Formal

Playground Safety Score

All Clear

Similar Names

Popularity Comparison

Gerald Rank #1,168
Harold Rank #991

Harold is more popular, ranked #991 vs #1168 for Gerald.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gerald or Harold more popular?

Harold is more popular, ranked #991 compared to Gerald at #1168 in the United States.

What do Gerald and Harold mean?

Gerald means "rule of the spear, spear ruler" (Germanic origin). Harold means "army ruler, power of the army" (Old English origin).

Are Gerald and Harold boy or girl names?

Gerald is primarily a boy name. Harold is primarily a boy name.

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