What does Jerold mean and where does it come from?
Jerold is a variant of Gerald, derived from the Germanic elements 'ger' meaning 'spear' and 'wald' meaning 'rule'. The name gained popularity in the English-speaking world in the mid-20th century. It is not extremely common today but is used widely in the United States and other English-speaking cou
Cultural significance
Jerold has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of spear ruler.
Peak popularity
Reached #403 in 1942 — currently #10278 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Jerold?
Jerold works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Jerold Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Jerold Rose
Floral · soft ending
Jerold Mae
Sweet · timeless
Jerold Claire
French influence · crisp
Jerold Jane
Literary · strong
Jerold Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Jerold right now?
Rising fast — up 1884 spots — currently #10278 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2022 | #10278 | 7 | ▲ up 1884 · +40% births |
| 2015 | #12162 | 5 | ▼ down 1312 · -17% births |
| 2010 | #10850 | 6 | ▼ down 1658 · -14% births |
| 2005 | #9192 | 7 | ▼ down 4125 · -50% births |
| 2000 | #5067 | 14 | ▼ down 1186 · -12% births |
| 1995 | #3881 | 16 | ▼ down 1560 · -47% births |
| 1990 | #2321 | 30 | ▼ down 388 |
| 1985 | #1933 | 30 | ▼ down 55 |
| 1980 | #1878 | 30 | ▼ down 819 · -52% births |
| 1975 | #1059 | 62 | ▼ down 255 · -39% births |
| 1970 | #804 | 102 | ▼ down 84 · -5% births |
| 1965 | #720 | 107 | ▼ down 24 · -16% births |
| 1960 | #696 | 128 | ▼ down 65 · -8% births |
| 1955 | #631 | 139 | ▼ down 118 · -19% births |
| 1950 | #513 | 171 | — |
The story of Jerold
Jerold entered American naming records in 1912 and has been in use for over 112 years. With 7,424 total births recorded, Jerold remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #2273 in 1915, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #10278 in 2022.
Names that peaked alongside Jerold in 1942:
Jerold by decade
Jerold peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 116 | |
| 1920s | 385 | |
| 1930s | 1,181 | |
| 1940s ★ | 1,867 | |
| 1950s | 1,448 | |
| 1960s | 1,126 | |
| 1970s | 569 | |
| 1980s | 327 | |
| 1990s | 233 | |
| 2000s | 101 | |
| 2010s | 71 | |
💎With 7,424 total births, Jerold is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Jerold?
ENGLISH
GeraldineGerryJeriJerriJerrieJerry
ENGLISH
GarretGarrettJarrett
What names sound and feel like Jerold?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Jerold also consider these
How is Jerold written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Jerold?
Common questions about the name Jerold
What does the name Jerold mean?
Jerold means "spear ruler" — 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 Jerold?
Jerold is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Jerold?
Jerold 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 Jerold?
Jerold is a two-syllable name pronounced JH EH1 R OW0 L D. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Jerold a common or rare name?
Jerold is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.