What does Gerald mean and where does it come from?
Gerald is a name with a rich history, a variant of the Old German name 'Gerwald.' It was first recorded in medieval England and has remained a popular choice over the centuries. The female version is rare but still used. Notable people with the name include Gerald Ford, the 38th President of the Uni
Cultural significance
Gerald has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of rule of the spear.
Peak popularity
Reached #935 in 1931 — currently #959 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Gerald?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Gerald?
Gerald works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Gerald Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Gerald Rose
Floral · soft ending
Gerald Mae
Sweet · timeless
Gerald Claire
French influence · crisp
Gerald Jane
Literary · strong
Gerald Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Gerald right now?
Holding steady — currently #959 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #959 | 1,241 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #964 | 1,221 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #969 | 1,191 | ▲ up 4127 · +8407% births |
| 1985 | #5096 | 14 | ▼ down 756 · -18% births |
| 1980 | #4340 | 17 | ▼ down 379 · +6% births |
| 1975 | #3961 | 16 | ▼ down 2000 · -63% births |
| 1970 | #1961 | 43 | ▼ down 106 · +13% births |
| 1965 | #1855 | 38 | ▲ up 39 · +6% births |
| 1960 | #1894 | 36 | ▼ down 10 · +13% births |
| 1955 | #1884 | 32 | ▼ down 427 · -20% births |
| 1950 | #1457 | 40 | ▼ down 120 · +11% births |
| 1945 | #1337 | 36 | ▼ down 246 · -18% births |
| 1940 | #1091 | 44 | ▼ down 91 · -8% births |
| 1935 | #1000 | 48 | ▲ up 183 · +20% births |
| 1930 | #1183 | 40 | — |
The story of Gerald
Gerald entered American naming records in 1910 and has been in use for over 114 years. More than 450,316 babies have been named Gerald since 1910. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2433 in 1910 to #959 in 2023. Gerald is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.
Names that peaked alongside Gerald in 1931:
Gerald by decade
Gerald peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 223 | |
| 1890s | 753 | |
| 1900s | 2,014 | |
| 1910s | 16,617 | |
| 1920s | 44,869 | |
| 1930s | 83,265 | |
| 1940s ★ | 103,724 | |
| 1950s | 82,942 | |
| 1960s | 55,655 | |
| 1970s | 26,396 | |
| 1980s | 15,647 | |
| 1990s | 9,819 | |
| 2000s | 5,145 | |
| 2010s | 3,022 | |
| 2020s | 225 | |
What are good nicknames for Gerald?
ENGLISH
GeraldineGerryJeriJerriJerrieJerry
ENGLISH
GarretGarrettJarrett
What names sound and feel like Gerald?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Gerald also consider these
How is Gerald written in other languages?
Gender variants of Gerald
Common questions about the name Gerald
What does the name Gerald mean?
Gerald means "Rule of the spear" — a name rooted in English tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Gerald?
Gerald is currently ranked #959 as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Gerald?
Gerald originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Gerald?
Gerald is a two-syllable name pronounced JH EH1 R AH0 L D. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Gerald a common or rare name?
Gerald is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.