Gerard

“Gérard - 'spear strength' or 'brave with a spear'”

English origin · Unisex name

♂ 100% boys♀ 0% girls

#877US 2023

1.3kBirths / yr

→Stable

58.3kAll-time births

📅 Since 191300

How to pronounce Gerard

jer·AHRD

/dʒɝ.ˈɑrd/ · stress on AHRD · 2 syllables

“Gérard - 'spear strength' or 'brave with a spear'”

English origin · Unisex name

What does Gerard mean and where does it come from?

Although traditionally a male name, Gerard has undergone a transformation into a female first name in some English-speaking regions. The name is of Germanic origin and combines the elements 'ger' meaning 'spear' and 'hard' meaning 'brave' or 'strong'. The name has a long history in France, with many

Cultural significance

Gerard has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of gérard - 'spear strength' or 'brave with a spear'.

Peak popularity

Reached #3285 in 1913 — currently #877 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell Gerard?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Girard

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Gerard?

Gerard works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Gerard Grace

How popular is Gerard right now?

Holding steady — currently #877 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1930–2023#877 · Top 0.65%

1930

1955

1965

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#877	1,323	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#882	1,303	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2021	#887	1,273	▲ up 5726 · +25360% births
1965	#6613	5	▼ down 689
1955	#5924	5	▼ down 1298
1930	#4626	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Gerard

Best Year2023Rank #877

Peak Count1,323

Average Rank#3302

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1930 - 20236 years

The story of Gerard

Gerard entered American naming records in 1913 and has been in use for over 111 years. A total of 58,327 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4626 in 1930 to #877 in 2023. Gerard is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.

Names that peaked alongside Gerard in 1913:

Mary Helen Dorothy Margaret Ruth

Gerard by decade

Gerard peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	14
1890s	61
1900s	214
1910s	2,681
1920s	5,501
1930s	5,313
1940s	8,137
1950s ★	14,232
1960s	9,356
1970s	4,032
1980s	3,317
1990s	2,382
2000s	1,338
2010s	1,630
2020s	119

What are good nicknames for Gerard?

DANISH

CaiCajKaiKajKay

DUTCH

GeertGerdGerryGertKai

FINNISH

Kai

FRISIAN

JurreKaiKay

What names sound and feel like Gerard?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Gerard also consider these

Gerald

English · Rule of the

Gernard

Germanic · Spear strength

Gerrard

England · Spear strength

Gehard

Germanic · strong with a

Jerard

English · The rules or

English · Old English

How is Gerard written in other languages?

Gender variants of Gerard

Gerarda DUTCH Gerda DUTCH Gerdina DUTCH Gerry DUTCH Gerda GERMAN Gerarda ITALIAN Garret ENGLISH Garrett ENGLISH Jarrett ENGLISH

Common questions about the name Gerard

What does the name Gerard mean?

Gerard means "Gérard - 'spear strength' or 'brave with a 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 Gerard?

Gerard is currently ranked #877 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 Gerard?

Gerard 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 Gerard?

Gerard is a two-syllable name pronounced JH ER0 AA1 R D. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Gerard a common or rare name?

Gerard is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.