Jerald

Pronunciation: [ j-EHR-uhld ]

Boy Name #3,957 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

A classic spear-ruler name with mid-century American charm

American English African American

Classic Strong Traditional Vintage

Meaning & Origin

"ruler of the spear"

Origin: Old High German

Language: Germanic

"spear ruler"

Origin: Germanic (ger + wald)

Language: Old High German

The Story of Jerald

Jerald is an American variant spelling of Gerald, from the Old High German Gerwald — combining ger (spear) and wald (rule). The name entered England via the Normans after 1066 and was common in medieval Europe. Jerald and Jerrold are 20th-century American respellings that gave the traditional Gerald a more modern look while preserving its strong, classic sound.

Jerald was most popular in the mid-20th century United States, part of the broader popularity of Jerry-names including Gerald, Jerome, and Jeremiah. It has declined significantly since the 1970s but retains use in African American communities and among those honoring family members named Gerald.

Gerald and its variants were associated with medieval nobility and entered American naming through European immigration. President Gerald Ford (1974-1977) kept the name in public consciousness.

Fun Facts

Gerald Ford is the only US president whose first name began with the letter G as well as the only one never elected as either president or vice president
The name Gerald was in the US top 20 from the 1920s through 1940s
Gerald of Wales (Giraldus Cambrensis) was a famous 12th-century chronicler and clergyman

Jerald in Other Languages

Irish Gearóid

French Gérald

German Gerald

Italian Geraldo

Spanish Geraldo

Famous People Named Jerald

Gerald Butler

Actor

1969

Scottish actor known for 300, Law Abiding Citizen, and romantic comedies

Gerald Ford

Politician

1913

38th President of the United States, the only president never elected as president or vice president

Quick Facts

Gender: Boy
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #3,957
Total SSA Count: 28
Cultural Origins: American English African American
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease: High

Alternative Spellings

Jeramiah #3499

Common Nicknames

Jerry Jer

Pairs Well With

Jerald Lee Jerald Wayne Jerald Ray Jerald Eugene Jerald Dean Jerald Scott

Sibling Names

Deborah Terrance Beverly Darrell Carol Dennis

Also a Girl Name

Jerald is also used as a girl name, ranked #66629.

View Jerald as a girl name →

Similar Names

Jerry Harold Willard Arnold Garrett Oswald Terrell Gerard

Playground Safety

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Frequently Asked Questions About Jerald

What does the name Jerald mean?

"ruler of the spear" (from Old High German). "spear ruler" (from Germanic (ger + wald)). Jerald is an American variant spelling of Gerald, from the Old High German Gerwald — combining ger (spear) and wald (rule). The name entered England via the Normans after 1066 and was common in medieval Europe. Jerald and Jerrold are 20th-century American respellings that gave the traditional Gerald a more modern look while preserving its strong, classic sound.

What is the origin of the name Jerald?

Jerald has Old High German, Germanic (ger + wald), American, English, and African American origins. In Old High German, it means "ruler of the spear". In Germanic (ger + wald), it means "spear ruler".

Is Jerald a boy or girl name?

Jerald is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #3957. As a girl name, it is ranked #66629. Jerald is more commonly used as a boy name.

How do you pronounce Jerald?

Jerald is pronounced j-EHR-uhld.

How popular is the name Jerald?

Jerald is currently ranked #3957 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Jerald?

Common nicknames for Jerald include Jerry and Jer.

What are good middle names for Jerald?

Popular middle name pairings include Jerald Lee, Jerald Wayne, Jerald Ray, Jerald Eugene, Jerald Dean, and Jerald Scott.

What are good sibling names for Jerald?

Names that pair well with Jerald as siblings include Deborah, Terrance, Beverly, Darrell, Carol, and Dennis.

How many syllables does Jerald have?

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

Is Jerald a common or rare name?

Jerald is an uncommon name, ranked #3957 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Jerald

Jerald is a boy name with American, English, and African American origins . The name means "ruler of the spear" in Old High German .

Is Jerald a boy or girl name? Jerald is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #3,957 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #66,629. Jerald is more commonly used as a boy name.

Jerald is currently ranked #3,957 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

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

Common nicknames for Jerald include Jerry and Jer. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

Alternative spellings of Jerald include Jeramiah . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.