Behind the Name
the etymology and history of first names
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View Name: Gerald


GERALD
GENDER: Masculine
USAGE: English, German
PRONOUNCED: JER-əld (English), GE-rahlt (German)   [key]
Meaning & History
From a Germanic name meaning "rule of the spear", from the elements ger "spear" and wald "rule". The Normans brought this name to Britain. Though it died out in England during the Middle Ages, it remained common in Ireland. It was revived in the English-speaking world in 19th century.
Related Names
VARIANTS: Jerald, Jerold, Jerrold (English), Gerold, Gerhold (German)
DIMINUTIVES: Jerry, Gerry (English)
FEMININE FORM: Geraldine (English)
OTHER LANGUAGES: Gerold (Ancient Germanic), Gerolt (Dutch), Géraud, Gérald (French), Gearóid, Gearalt (Irish), Giraldo (Italian), Geraldo (Portuguese), Geraldo (Spanish), Gerallt (Welsh)
Popularity
United States  ranked #627 
SEE ALSO
GÉRALD


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