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Gerald

♂ Boy

Pronounced JAIR-uld /ˈdʒɛər.əld/High

Meaning: Spear ruler; from Germanic Gerwald (ger: spear + wald: ruler, to wield power)High

In 30 seconds: A Germanic name meaning 'spear ruler,' from ger (spear) and wald (ruler). A steadily popular mid-century name associated with President Gerald Ford, novelist Gerald Durrell, and Gerry with a G.

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Origin HighGermanic

MeaningSpear ruler; from Germanic Gerwald (ger: spear + wald: ruler, to wield power)

U.S. rank (2025)#1206 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births168 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1942

Total births (all-time)≈ 448,961

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Gerald is from Germanic Gerwald, from ger (spear) and wald (ruler, to rule). The Normans brought the name to England after 1066. It became popular in the English-speaking world and peaked in the U.S. in the mid-20th century.

Gerald peaked in the U.S. in the 1940s–1960s. It ranked #1167 for boys in 2024.

Did you know? Gerald Ford (1913–2006) is the only person in U.S. history to have served as both Vice President and President without being elected to either office — he was appointed VP after Spiro Agnew's resignation, then became President when Nixon resigned.

Overall data confidence 91%

Behind the Name — Gerald — Germanic etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

GerardGarrett

Nicknames

GerryJerry

Famous Bearers

★Gerald Ford (1913–2006)
38th President of the United States (1974–1977). He is the only person to serve as President without being elected to the presidency or vice presidency, taking office after Nixon's resignation.

If you like Gerald…

Harold— two-syllable Germanic name from the same mid-century peak era

Raymond— two-syllable Germanic name from the same generation

Leonard— two-syllable Germanic -ard ending name from the same era

Bernard— two-syllable Germanic -ard ending name from the same tradition

Donald— two-syllable Germanic -ald ending name from the same mid-century register

Explore names like Gerald

By themeclassic two-syllable germanic mid-century

By meaningStrength Royal / Noble

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Gerald mean?

Gerald means 'spear ruler,' from Germanic Gerwald (ger: spear + wald: ruler).

How do you pronounce Gerald?

It's said JAIR-uld — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Gerald a boy or girl name?

Gerald is used as a boys' name.

How popular is Gerald?

Gerald ranked #1167 for U.S. boys in 2024.