Brad vs Gerald

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Brad

Boy #4,135 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"broad valley, wide clearing"

Origin: Old English brad

Cultural Roots

English American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#4,135
Total SSA Count
26
Syllables
1
Formality
Moderate

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
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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
Nicknames
Gerry, Jerry, Ger

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Gerald →

Popularity Comparison

Brad Rank #4,135
Gerald Rank #1,168

Gerald is more popular, ranked #1168 vs #4135 for Brad.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Brad ___

  • Brad James
  • Brad Allen
  • Brad Lee
  • Brad Thomas
  • Brad Scott
  • Brad Michael

Gerald ___

  • Gerald Thomas
  • Gerald Edward
  • Gerald Francis
  • Gerald Michael
  • Gerald Lee
  • Gerald Wayne

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Brad

Chad Todd Greg Tiffany Jennifer

If you choose Gerald

Donald Ronald Harold Barbara Judith

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brad or Gerald more popular?

Gerald is more popular, ranked #1168 compared to Brad at #4135 in the United States.

What do Brad and Gerald mean?

Brad means "broad valley, wide clearing" (Old English brad origin). Gerald means "rule of the spear, spear ruler" (Germanic origin).

Are Brad and Gerald boy or girl names?

Brad is primarily a boy name. Gerald is primarily a boy name.

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