Gerard
Gerard is a Christian boy name of Germanic, via French origin, meaning “Brave spear; strong with the spear”.
| Meaning | Brave spear; strong with the spear |
|---|---|
| Gender | Boy |
| Origin | Germanic, via French |
| Pronunciation | juh-RARD |
| Tradition | Christian |
| Used in | Ireland, France, Netherlands, United Kingdom |
Meaning and origin of Gerard
Gerard comes from the Germanic ger, 'spear', and hard, 'brave' or 'hardy'. It was spread by the Normans and is closely related to Gerald, with which it was often confused. Several saints bear it, including Saint Gerard Majella, an eighteenth-century Italian lay brother regarded as a patron of mothers and childbirth. The name is especially familiar in Ireland, France and the Netherlands.
Is Gerard a Christian name?
Gerard is a Christian name: Catholic families often choose it for Saint Gerard Majella, patron saint of expectant mothers.
How popular is Gerard?
Familiar in Ireland, France and the Low Countries, mostly among older generations.
Gifts with the name Gerard
- Gerard name necklaces & bracelets (Amazon)
- Personalised Gerard baby gifts (Amazon)
- Christian baby gifts & books (Amazon)
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Spellings and variants of Gerard
Names similar to Gerard
More Christian boy names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Gerard mean?
Gerard means 'Brave spear; strong with the spear'. It is of Germanic, via French origin.
Is Gerard a Christian name?
Gerard is a Christian name: Catholic families often choose it for Saint Gerard Majella, patron saint of expectant mothers.
How do you pronounce Gerard?
Gerard is pronounced juh-RARD.
Is Gerard a boy or girl name?
Gerard is usually a boy name.