Gerald

1. Gerald name meaning and origin

The name Gerald derives from the Germanic elements 'ger' meaning 'spear' and 'wald' meaning 'rule' or 'power,' thus literally translating to 'spear-wielder' or 'rule of the spear.' This powerful masculine name emerged during the Early Middle Ages among Germanic tribes, later spreading throughout Europe with the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century. The name reflects the warrior culture of Germanic societies, where prowess in battle was highly valued.

Gerald has maintained consistent popularity throughout European history, particularly in England, Germany, and Ireland. In medieval Ireland, it gained prominence through the Anglo-Norman family of FitzGerald, who became one of the most influential noble houses in the country. The name has spawned various derivatives including Gerold, Geraud, and the shortened forms Gerry and Jerry, demonstrating its cultural adaptability while maintaining its core etymological significance across centuries.

References:

2. Gerald name popularity

Girl

Boy

in 2023

from 2022

Popularity of Gerald

United States

United Kingdom

Gerald is a traditionally masculine name with Germanic origins, meaning "rule of the spear." While popular in both the United States and the United Kingdom, available data doesn't show specific ranking positions in recent years, suggesting its popularity has declined from its peak in the mid-20th century. The name reached its height of popularity in America during the 1930s and 1940s.

Though primarily used for boys, Gerald has occasionally been given to girls in the United States, representing an uncommon gender-neutral usage. Notable bearers include former U.S. President Gerald Ford and British author Gerald Durrell, which helped maintain the name's classic, dignified image throughout the English-speaking world.

3. Variations and nicknames of Gerald

The name Gerald, with its Germanic roots meaning 'rule of the spear,' has evolved across cultures and centuries into numerous variations. In Germanic languages, we find variants such as Gerold, Gerwald, and Gerhold, each maintaining the strong consonant sounds of the original. The French transformed it into Gérald or Géraud, while Italian speakers adopted Geraldo. Spanish-speaking regions embraced Geraldo and sometimes Jeraldo, with the characteristic shift from 'G' to 'J' pronunciation. Eastern European languages contributed their own interpretations, including Gieralt in Polish and Geralt, which gained contemporary popularity through fantasy literature. The Irish language offers the distinctive variant Gearóid, while in England, Gerald sometimes appears as Jerrold or Jerold, particularly in medieval texts.

With such a versatile name come equally varied nicknames and diminutives, many of which have developed into independent names in their own right. The most common nickname is undoubtedly Gerry (or Jerry), which remains popular across English-speaking countries. Close alternatives include Ger, especially prevalent in Ireland, and the simple G. For those preferring a more distinctive sound, there's Gez or Gezzer, particularly common in the United Kingdom. Some Gerald-bearers opt for the middle-name approach with Rald or Raldy, while others embrace initials like G.D. In certain cultural contexts, especially among Italian and Hispanic communities, affectionate diminutives such as Gerri, Gero, or Geri provide warmer alternatives. For children especially, playful variations like G-Man or G-Dog have emerged in contemporary usage, while the classic Jerry has spawned further offshoots like J or Jay.

4. Best name combinations with Gerald

Middle names that pair well with Gerald:

Gerald Alexander
Gerald Emerson
Gerald James
Gerald Thomas
Gerald William
Gerald Francis
Gerald Theodore
Gerald Arthur
Gerald Vincent
Gerald Joseph
Gerald Dominic
Gerald Michael
Gerald Sebastian
Gerald Christopher
Gerald Edward
Gerald Nathaniel
Gerald Harrison
Gerald Bennett
Gerald Lawrence
Gerald Xavier

Names that go well when Gerald is used as a middle name:

Henry Gerald
Charles Gerald
Robert Gerald
Arthur Gerald
William Gerald
Edward Gerald
James Gerald
Thomas Gerald
Daniel Gerald
Richard Gerald
Frederick Gerald
Benjamin Gerald
Alexander Gerald
Jonathan Gerald
Theodore Gerald
Philip Gerald
Nicholas Gerald
Anthony Gerald
Maxwell Gerald
Sebastian Gerald

5. Numerology of Gerald name

In Pythagorean numerology, each letter corresponds to a specific number (A=1, B=2, etc.).

Destiny Number (Expression Number) for "Gerald":

G (7) + E (5) + R (9) + A (1) + L (3) + D (4) = 29
2 + 9 = 11 (a master number)
If reduced: 1 + 1 = 2

The Destiny Number 11/2 indicates someone with heightened intuition and spiritual insight. You have natural diplomatic abilities and work well in partnerships. This number suggests potential for spiritual leadership, inspiring others, and bringing innovative ideas to reality. In relationships, you're sensitive and value harmony. Career paths might include counseling, teaching, artistic pursuits, or any field requiring intuitive understanding.

Soul Urge Number (Heart's Desire):

Vowels: E (5) + A (1) = 6

With a Soul Urge Number of 6, you deeply desire to nurture and care for others. You value harmony, family, and responsibility. You're naturally drawn to roles where you can protect and support those you love. In relationships, you're loyal and seek stability and commitment. Career paths aligned with this energy include teaching, healthcare, counseling, or any service-oriented profession.

Personality Number:

Consonants: G (7) + R (9) + L (3) + D (4) = 23
2 + 3 = 5

Your Personality Number 5 represents how others see you—as adaptable, versatile, and freedom-loving. You likely come across as progressive, adventurous, and someone who dislikes routine. In social settings, you appear quick-witted and charming. This energy supports careers requiring versatility, communication skills, and handling change, such as marketing, travel, entertainment, or entrepreneurial ventures.

Note: This numerology analysis is just for fun and entertainment purposes. It is not meant to be taken seriously or as a reflection of one’s true personality or destiny. No offense is intended.

6. Gerald name in pop culture

Name

Description

Gerald Broflovski

A character from the animated comedy series 'South Park', Kyle's father and a lawyer by profession

Gerald

The main character in the children's book 'Giraffes Can't Dance' by Giles Andreae, a giraffe who learns to express himself through dance

Gerald Lambeau

A fictional MIT professor portrayed by Stellan Skarsgård in the 1997 film 'Good Will Hunting'

Gerald O'Hara

Scarlett O'Hara's father in Margaret Mitchell's novel 'Gone with the Wind' and its film adaptation

Gerald Croft

A character in J.B. Priestley's play 'An Inspector Calls', the fiancé of Sheila Birling

7. Famous people named Gerald

Name

Description

Gerald Ford

38th President of the United States who took office after Richard Nixon's resignation during the Watergate scandal

Gerald Butler

Scottish actor known for roles in '300', 'Phantom of the Opera', and 'Law Abiding Citizen'

Gerald Levert

American R&B singer, songwriter, and producer who was part of the group LeVert and had a successful solo career

Gerald Green

Former NBA player known for his athletic dunking ability and 12-year career with multiple teams including the Boston Celtics

Gerald Durrell

British naturalist, zookeeper, conservationist, and author best known for his book 'My Family and Other Animals'

Gerald R. Ford Jr.

American football player who played center and linebacker for the University of Michigan before his political career

Gerald Albright

American jazz saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist who has sold over a million albums in the U.S. alone

Gerald Scarfe

English cartoonist and illustrator known for his work with Pink Floyd, particularly on 'The Wall', and his political cartoons

Gerald McRaney

American television and movie actor known for roles in 'Simon & Simon', 'Major Dad', and 'This Is Us'

Gerald Ciolek

German professional road bicycle racer who won the prestigious Milan–San Remo cycling race in 2013

8. Names similar to Gerald

Like Gerald ? What about:

Charlette

Randall

Ada

Ainsley

Ella

Danah

Afton

Caleb

Declan

Carter

Harry

Reynold

Campbell

Hilda

Ahjin

Bernice

Dasha

Bette

Caiden

Bella

Common sibling names

Sisters

Carla

Charlee

Bella

Darcy

Edith

Camille

Ainsley

Elaine

Ada

Ella

Elise

Carter

Brothers

Caiden

Bodie

Caden

Carter

Declan

Aiden

Darcy

Bernard

Roland

Eli

Cayden

Otto

Harry

Derrick

Ernie

Marvin

Lewis

Caleb

Rudy

Leonard

Generate a perfect name for your baby

Our Baby Name Generator helps you find the perfect name, sorted by gender, letter, meaning, and more. You don't need to fill out every field, just the ones you're interested in.

I'm looking for

Any Gender

names with the

Last Name

, starting with

Any Letter

and ending with

Any Letter

with

Any Number of

syllables.

I like names that mean

Floral, Unique, Trendy

and are

Any theme

names.

Show me names of

Any Origin

Origin.

Search by name

Looking for baby name ideas, advice, meanings, and popularity.

Gerald

1. Gerald name meaning and origin

References:

2. Gerald name popularity

3. Variations and nicknames of Gerald

4. Best name combinations with Gerald

Middle names that pair well with Gerald:

Names that go well when Gerald is used as a middle name:

5. Numerology of Gerald name

Destiny Number (Expression Number) for "Gerald":

Soul Urge Number (Heart's Desire):

Personality Number:

6. Gerald name in pop culture

7. Famous people named Gerald

8. Names similar to Gerald

Like Gerald ? What about:

Common sibling names

Generate a perfect name for your baby

Search by name

Here are 0 baby name ideas that should work for you and your baby:

Baby name lists including Gerald

NASZE OSTATNIE WYDARZENIA

Gerald

1. Gerald name meaning and origin

References:

2. Gerald name popularity

3. Variations and nicknames of Gerald

4. Best name combinations with Gerald

Middle names that pair well with Gerald:

Names that go well when Gerald is used as a middle name:

5. Numerology of Gerald name

Destiny Number (Expression Number) for "Gerald":

Soul Urge Number (Heart's Desire):

Personality Number:

6. Gerald name in pop culture

7. Famous people named Gerald

8. Names similar to Gerald

Like Gerald ? What about:

Common sibling names

Generate a perfect name for your baby

Search by name

Here are 0 baby name ideas that should work for you and your baby:

Baby name lists including Gerald

Welcome 👋 😄