Geraldine

Pronunciation: [ j-ehr-uhld-EEN ]

Girl Name #2,024 Most Popular Hidden Gem 4 Syllables

A stately vintage classic poised for a comeback

English French American Irish

Vintage Classic Traditional Sophisticated

Meaning & Origin

"spear ruler"

Origin: Old Germanic

Language: English

"mighty with a spear (ger + wald)"

Origin: Germanic

Language: French

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.

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

Famous People Named Geraldine

Geraldine Ferraro

Politician

1935

American politician who became the first female VP candidate of a major US party in 1984

Geraldine Page

Actor

1924

Academy Award-winning American actress, one of the great stage and screen performers of the 20th century

Geraldine Granger Fictional

Other

Fictional vicar character played by Dawn French in the British sitcom The Vicar of Dibley

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

Pairs Well With

Geraldine Anne Geraldine Marie Geraldine Louise Geraldine Frances Geraldine May Geraldine Claire

Sibling Names

Josephine Rosemary Beatrice Margaret Bernard Raymond

Also a Boy Name

Geraldine is also used as a boy name, ranked #19510.

View Geraldine as a boy name →

Similar Names

Jerry Terry

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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.