Gerrold is a unique and distinctive given name of German origin. The name Gerrold is derived from the Germanic elements "ger" meaning "spear" and "hilt" which refers to the handle or grip of a sword. Thus, Gerrold translates to "strong spear" or "bold spear".
The name Gerrold has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages in Germany. It was often used as a given name during this period, with variations such as Gerold, Gerolt, and Jeroen being popular among different regions of Europe.
Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Gerrold. One example is Gerold of Aurillac, who was a French nobleman and saint in the 10th century. He was known for his generosity and kindness towards the poor, and eventually became a monk at the Abbey of Cluny before being canonized by the Catholic Church.
While Gerrold may not be as commonly used today compared to other Germanic names such as George or Gerald, it remains an appealing option for parents seeking a distinctive and meaningful name for their child. Its unique sound and historical significance make Gerrold a name that stands out while still having deep roots in European history.
The name Gerrold has a unique and interesting history of usage in the United States. Over the span of several decades, from 1940 to 1964, there were consistently five births each year for this distinctive name.
This pattern began in 1940 with five newborns named Gerrold. It continued every three years after that, with another five babies given the name in 1943, followed by five more in both 1946 and 1947. After a gap of nearly two decades, the trend reemerged with five births once again in 1964.
This data suggests that Gerrold may have been quite popular among parents who favored unusual yet memorable names for their children during these specific time periods. The consistent number of births each year indicates a certain level of continuity and preference for this name within the communities where it was chosen.
Moreover, the fact that the name's usage spanned several decades could imply that Gerrold has been passed down through generations within families or maintained as a family tradition. It also shows how names can evolve and fluctuate in popularity over time, even if they are not among the most commonly used names overall.
In total, based on the available data, there were twenty-five babies named Gerrold born in the United States between 1940 and 1964. This information provides insight into the history of this unique name within the country during that time frame.