Gerald is a masculine given name of Germanic origin. It comes from the Old German words "ger" meaning "spear" and "wald" meaning "rule". Therefore, Gerald means "ruler with the spear". The name has been used throughout history by various notable figures.
The first recorded use of the name Gerald dates back to the 10th century when Saint Gerald of Aurillac lived. He was a French nobleman who became known for his piety and generosity towards the poor, eventually becoming the patron saint of several places in France.
In the Middle Ages, the name Gerald became popular among Norman nobility due to the influence of Gerald of Windsor, who served as Chancellor of England during the reign of King Henry II. Many variations of the name emerged during this time, including Girard, Geralt, and Jerold.
The name Gerald continued to be used in subsequent centuries and appeared in many different forms across Europe. In Ireland, for instance, it was anglicized from the Irish Gaelic name "Gearóid". Today, Gerald is still a popular choice among parents naming their sons, particularly in English-speaking countries.
In literature, notable characters named Gerald include Geraldine in Oscar Wilde's play "The Importance of Being Earnest" and Gerald Crich in D.H. Lawrence's novel "Women in Love". In popular culture, famous people bearing this name include American actor Gerald Butler and Canadian musician Gerald Eaton, better known as Geri Halliwell.
Overall, Gerald is a strong and distinguished-sounding name with a rich history that dates back centuries. Its meaning adds to its appeal, suggesting power, leadership, and courage.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Gerald has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States. Between 1910 and 1925, there was a steady increase in the number of babies named Gerald each year, reaching a peak of 56 births in 1927. However, this trend did not continue, and the number of babies named Gerald began to decline from 1928 onwards.
From 1928 to 1940, the number of births named Gerald fluctuated between 37 and 55 each year. There was another peak in 1943 with 55 births, but after that, the popularity of the name started to decline more significantly. Between 1944 and 1962, the number of babies named Gerald ranged from 28 to 44 annually.
In the years following, there was a further decrease in the popularity of the name Gerald. From 1963 to 1972, between 15 and 43 babies were named Gerald each year. This trend continued into the 1980s, with an average of around 15 births per year.
In recent years, the name Gerald has become even less common in the United States. Between 1991 and 1993, there were only five to ten babies named Gerald each year. This represents a significant decrease from the peak popularity of the name earlier in the century.
Overall, these statistics show that while Gerald was once a popular name in the United States, its popularity has waned over time. Despite this decline, it is important to remember that every name has its own unique history and significance, and that popularity does not define the value or meaning of a name.