Gerald
Gerald is a boy name of Germanic, via Norman French origin, meaning “Spear rule; ruler with the spear”.
| Meaning | Spear rule; ruler with the spear |
|---|---|
| Gender | Boy |
| Origin | Germanic, via Norman French |
| Pronunciation | JAIR-uld |
| Tradition | Modern & Classic, Christian |
| Used in | United States, United Kingdom, Ireland |
Meaning and origin of Gerald
Gerald comes from the Germanic elements ger, 'spear', and wald, 'rule', so it is understood as 'one who rules by the spear'. The Normans brought it to England and Ireland, where it gave rise to the Fitzgerald family. It fell out of use for a time and was revived in the nineteenth century. Gerald Ford, the 38th US president, is a well-known bearer.
Is Gerald a religious name?
Gerald is used mainly as a general name; Saint Gerald of Aurillac, a tenth-century French nobleman, gives it a Christian association.
How popular is Gerald?
Common for older generations in English-speaking countries; rare for babies now.
Gifts with the name Gerald
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Spellings and variants of Gerald
Names similar to Gerald
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Frequently asked questions
What does the name Gerald mean?
Gerald means 'Spear rule; ruler with the spear'. It is of Germanic, via Norman French origin.
Does Gerald have a religious meaning?
Gerald is used mainly as a general name; Saint Gerald of Aurillac, a tenth-century French nobleman, gives it a Christian association.
How do you pronounce Gerald?
Gerald is pronounced JAIR-uld.
Is Gerald a boy or girl name?
Gerald is usually a boy name.