Gerald is a traditional masculine given name of Germanic origin, derived from the Old German elements 'geri' meaning 'spear' and 'wald' signifying 'rule'. It was popularized during the Middle Ages through the works of Geoffrey Chaucer, who used it in his Canterbury Tales. The name Gerald has been associated with various figures throughout history, including several saints and prominent historical figures. Today, it remains a classic choice for parents seeking a timeless and distinguished name for their sons.
The name Gerald experienced significant popularity and fluctuations in the early to mid-20th century. It peaked between 1925 and 1937, with over 40 births annually during this period. The highest year was 1927 with 56 births. However, by the late 1970s, the popularity of Gerald began to decline sharply, with fewer than 20 births per year from 1972 onwards. This trend continued into the 1980s and 1990s, with single-digit birth counts recorded in many years during these decades. Despite this decline, over the span of 1910 to 1993, a total of 2384 babies were named Gerald at birth.