"spear ruler"
Origin: Old Germanic
Language: English
Geraldine
Pronunciation: [ j-ehr-uhld-EEN ]
Does Geraldine flow with your last name?
A stately vintage classic poised for a comeback
English
French
American
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Vintage
Classic
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Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"mighty with a spear (ger + wald)"
Origin: Germanic
Language: French
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The Story of Geraldine
Geraldine is the feminine form of Gerald, derived from the Old Germanic elements 'ger' (spear) and 'wald' (rule), meaning spear ruler or one who rules with a spear. The name entered English through Norman French. Geraldine as a feminine form was created in the 16th century by English poet Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, who used it as a poetic name for Lady Elizabeth FitzGerald.
Geraldine was popular in English-speaking countries through the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1930s-1950s. It has since declined sharply, now being associated primarily with older generations. However, as vintage names cycle back into fashion, Geraldine is being rediscovered by parents seeking distinctive, classical names.
The name gained literary prestige from Henry Howard's 16th-century sonnets dedicated to 'Geraldine'. Comedian Jerry Lewis made 'Geraldine' his famous female alter ego in the 1950s. The name Geraldine Ferraro, the first female major-party vice-presidential nominee in the US (1984), gave the name political historical significance.
Historical Record
Geraldine first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 42,727 babies have been named Geraldine in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Geraldine is past its peak , currently ranked #2,024 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Geraldine Ferraro was the first woman nominated for VP by a major US political party in 1984
- Henry Howard coined 'Geraldine' in 1540s love poems to Lady Elizabeth FitzGerald
- The Vicar of Dibley character Geraldine Granger brought the name to a new generation of British viewers
Geraldine in Other Languages
French
Géraldine
German
Geraldine
Italian
Geraldina
Spanish
Geraldina
Popularity Over Time
#2,024
Current Rank
Peaked 1950
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Geraldine
G
Geraldine Ferraro
Politician
1935
American politician who became the first female VP candidate of a major US party in 1984
G
Geraldine Page
Actor
1924
Academy Award-winning American actress, one of the great stage and screen performers of the 20th century
G
Geraldine Granger Fictional
Other
Fictional vicar character played by Dawn French in the British sitcom The Vicar of Dibley
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Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 4
- Popularity Rank
- #2,024
- Total SSA Count
- 97
- Cultural Origins
- English French American Irish
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Geri
Gerry
Dina
Gerri
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Geraldine
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Geraldine is also used as a boy name, ranked #19510.
View Geraldine as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Geraldine
What does the name Geraldine mean?
"spear ruler" (from Old Germanic). "mighty with a spear (ger + wald)" (from Germanic). Geraldine is the feminine form of Gerald, derived from the Old Germanic elements 'ger' (spear) and 'wald' (rule), meaning spear ruler or one who rules with a spear. The name entered English through Norman French. Geraldine as a feminine form was created in the 16th century by English poet Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, who used it as a poetic name for Lady Elizabeth FitzGerald.
What is the origin of the name Geraldine?
Geraldine has Old Germanic, Germanic, English, French, American, and Irish origins. In Old Germanic, it means "spear ruler". In Germanic, it means "mighty with a spear (ger + wald)".
Is Geraldine a boy or girl name?
Geraldine is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #2024. As a boy name, it is ranked #19510. Geraldine is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Geraldine?
Geraldine is pronounced j-ehr-uhld-EEN.
How popular is the name Geraldine?
Geraldine is currently ranked #2024 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Geraldine?
Common nicknames for Geraldine include Geri, Gerry, Dina, and Gerri.
What are good middle names for Geraldine?
Popular middle name pairings include Geraldine Anne, Geraldine Marie, Geraldine Louise, Geraldine Frances, Geraldine May, and Geraldine Claire.
What are good sibling names for Geraldine?
Names that pair well with Geraldine as siblings include Josephine, Rosemary, Beatrice, Margaret, Bernard, and Raymond.
How many syllables does Geraldine have?
Geraldine has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Geraldine a common or rare name?
Geraldine is an uncommon name, ranked #2024 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Geraldine
Geraldine is a girl name with English, French, American, and Irish origins . The name means "spear ruler" in Old Germanic .
Is Geraldine a boy or girl name? Geraldine is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #2,024 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #19,510. Geraldine is more commonly used as a girl name.
Geraldine is currently ranked #2,024 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Geraldine has 4 syllables and is pronounced j-ehr-uhld-EEN, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Geraldine include Geri, Gerry, Dina, and Gerri. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis