What does Geraldine mean and where does it come from?
Derived from the Germanic name Gerald, Geraldine has been used since the 19th century and has gained popularity especially in English-speaking countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom. The name features a feminine suffix -ine, giving it a softer touch. Notable figures include Geral
Cultural significance
Geraldine has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of spear ruler.
Peak popularity
Reached #38 in 1931 — currently #868 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Geraldine?
Geraldine works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Geraldine Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Geraldine Rose
Floral · soft ending
Geraldine Mae
Sweet · timeless
Geraldine Claire
French influence · crisp
Geraldine Jane
Literary · strong
Geraldine Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Geraldine right now?
Holding steady — currently #868 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #868 | 1,332 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #873 | 1,312 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #878 | 1,282 | ▲ up 1063 · +1222% births |
| 2020 | #1941 | 97 | ▼ down 296 · -25% births |
| 2015 | #1645 | 130 | ▼ down 483 · -37% births |
| 2010 | #1162 | 208 | ▲ up 167 · +26% births |
| 2005 | #1329 | 165 | ▲ up 485 · +74% births |
| 2000 | #1814 | 95 | ▼ down 392 · -17% births |
| 1995 | #1422 | 115 | ▼ down 471 · -42% births |
| 1990 | #951 | 198 | ▲ up 193 · +58% births |
| 1985 | #1144 | 125 | ▲ up 64 · +15% births |
| 1980 | #1208 | 109 | ▼ down 349 · -30% births |
| 1975 | #859 | 156 | ▼ down 431 · -70% births |
| 1970 | #428 | 517 | ▼ down 137 · -44% births |
| 1965 | #291 | 916 | — |
The story of Geraldine
Geraldine has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #38 in 1931. More than 211,514 babies have been named Geraldine since 1880. Geraldine is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Geraldine in 1931:
Geraldine by decade
Geraldine peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 192 | |
| 1890s | 758 | |
| 1900s | 2,589 | |
| 1910s | 19,030 | |
| 1920s | 48,195 | |
| 1930s ★ | 50,264 | |
| 1940s | 48,138 | |
| 1950s | 24,291 | |
| 1960s | 9,821 | |
| 1970s | 2,228 | |
| 1980s | 1,582 | |
| 1990s | 1,197 | |
| 2000s | 1,416 | |
| 2010s | 1,716 | |
| 2020s | 97 | |
What are good nicknames for Geraldine?
ENGLISH
GerryJeriJerriJerrieJerry
ENGLISH
GeraldGerryJeraldJeroldJerroldJerry
What names sound and feel like Geraldine?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Geraldine also consider these
How is Geraldine written in other languages?
Gender variants of Geraldine
Common questions about the name Geraldine
What does the name Geraldine mean?
Geraldine means "Spear ruler" — a name rooted in American 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 Geraldine?
Geraldine is currently ranked #868 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 Geraldine?
Geraldine originates from American tradition. American 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 Geraldine?
Geraldine is a three-syllable name pronounced JH EH0 R AH0 L D IY1 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Geraldine?
Geraldine pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.