Gerald

Pronunciation: [ j-EHR-uhld ]

Boy Name #1,168 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

A Norman warrior name with deep American roots

English Irish American

Classic Traditional Vintage Strong

Meaning & Origin

"rule of the spear, spear ruler"

Origin: Germanic

Language: English

"powerful spearman"

Origin: Old High German

Language: English

Things to Know About This Name

Considered quite dated, associated primarily with men born in the 1920s-1950s

The Story of Gerald

Gerald derives from the Germanic elements ger (spear) and wald (rule), literally meaning rule of the spear or spear ruler. Introduced to England by the Normans after 1066, it spread through the medieval Catholic world via Saint Gerald of Aurillac (855-909), a nobleman known for his sanctity and justice. The powerful Norman-Irish Fitzgerald family, known as the Geraldines, were descendants of Gerald of Windsor.

Gerald peaked in the US in the 1920s-1940s, when it was a top-20 name. President Gerald Ford, born 1913, was the name's most prominent bearer. As generations turn over, Gerald has become a classic grandpa name: not yet vintage enough for the hipster revival that has brought back names like Hank and Clyde.

Gerald of Wales (Giraldus Cambrensis) was a 12th-century Welsh clergyman and prolific chronicler whose writings are invaluable historical documents. In Ireland, the Geraldines (Fitzgerald dynasty) were one of the most powerful Norman-Irish families for centuries.

Fun Facts

President Gerald Ford was born Leslie Lynch King Jr. and was renamed after his stepfather Gerald Rudolf Ford Sr.
The Fitzgerald dynasty in Ireland, known as the Geraldines, were descendants of a Gerald and became one of Ireland's most powerful families
Jerry Springer, born Gerald Norman Springer, was one of television's most controversial hosts for decades

Gerald in Other Languages

Irish Gearoid

French Gerald

German Gerald

Polish Gerold

Italian Geraldo

Spanish Geraldo

Portuguese Geraldo

Famous People Named Gerald

Jerry Springer

Entertainer

1944

Born Gerald Norman Springer, American television host known for The Jerry Springer Show

Gerald Durrell

Writer

1925

British naturalist, author, and zookeeper who founded Jersey Zoo, known for his humorous memoirs including My Family and...

British naturalist, author, and zookeeper who founded Jersey Zoo, known for his humorous memoirs including My Family and Other Animals

Gerald Ford

Politician

1913

38th President of the United States, the only person to serve as both Vice President and President without being elected...

38th President of the United States, the only person to serve as both Vice President and President without being elected to either office

Quick Facts

Gender: Boy
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #1,168
Total SSA Count: 178
Cultural Origins: English Irish American
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease: Moderate

Alternative Spellings

Gerardo #596 Gerard #1529

Common Nicknames

Gerry Jerry Ger

Pairs Well With

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

Sibling Names

Donald Ronald Harold Barbara Judith Patricia

Also a Girl Name

Gerald is also used as a girl name, ranked #11647.

View Gerald as a girl name →

Similar Names

Howard Bernard Arnold Archibald Reginald Garrett Oswald Darrell

Playground Safety

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Frequently Asked Questions About Gerald

What does the name Gerald mean?

"rule of the spear, spear ruler" (from Germanic). "powerful spearman" (from Old High German). Gerald derives from the Germanic elements ger (spear) and wald (rule), literally meaning rule of the spear or spear ruler. Introduced to England by the Normans after 1066, it spread through the medieval Catholic world via Saint Gerald of Aurillac (855-909), a nobleman known for his sanctity and justice. The powerful Norman-Irish Fitzgerald family, known as the Geraldines, were descendants of Gerald of Windsor.

What is the origin of the name Gerald?

Gerald has Germanic, Old High German, English, Irish, and American origins. In Germanic, it means "rule of the spear, spear ruler". In Old High German, it means "powerful spearman".

Is Gerald a boy or girl name?

Gerald is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1168. As a girl name, it is ranked #11647. Gerald is more commonly used as a boy name.

How do you pronounce Gerald?

Gerald is pronounced j-EHR-uhld.

How popular is the name Gerald?

Gerald is currently ranked #1168 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Gerald?

Common nicknames for Gerald include Gerry, Jerry, and Ger.

What are good middle names for Gerald?

Popular middle name pairings include Gerald Thomas, Gerald Edward, Gerald Francis, Gerald Michael, Gerald Lee, and Gerald Wayne.

What are good sibling names for Gerald?

Names that pair well with Gerald as siblings include Donald, Ronald, Harold, Barbara, Judith, and Patricia.

How many syllables does Gerald have?

Gerald has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Gerald a common or rare name?

Gerald is an uncommon name, ranked #1168 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Gerald

Gerald is a boy name with English, Irish, and American origins . The name means "rule of the spear, spear ruler" in Germanic .

Is Gerald a boy or girl name? Gerald is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,168 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #11,647. Gerald is more commonly used as a boy name.

Gerald is currently ranked #1,168 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Gerald has 2 syllables and is pronounced j-EHR-uhld, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Gerald include Gerry, Jerry, and Ger. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

Alternative spellings of Gerald include Gerardo, Gerard . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.