Geraldine is a feminine given name of English origin, derived from the masculine name Gerald. The name Gerald itself comes from the Germanic elements "ger" meaning "spear" and "wald" meaning "rule". Thus, Geraldine translates to "ruling with the spear".
The use of the name Geraldine dates back to medieval times in England. It was often used as a feminine form of Gerald, and it became popular among the nobility during this period. However, its usage declined over time and is not commonly used today.
Despite its rarity, Geraldine has been carried by notable historical figures, such as Geraldine Guinness, Duchess of Leinster, who lived in the 18th century and was known for her beauty and intelligence. This name also appears in literature, most famously in Sir Walter Scott's poem "The Lady of the Lake", where Geraldine is a character who plays a significant role in the story.
In summary, Geraldine is an English feminine given name with a historic background that has been carried by notable figures throughout history. Its meaning, "ruling with the spear," adds to its unique and strong appeal. Although not commonly used today, it remains an intriguing and distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with a rich history and powerful significance.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Geraldine has been given to a total of 748 baby girls in the United States over the course of several decades. The name's popularity fluctuated significantly throughout this period.
In the early 20th century, from 1913 to 1925, there were around 6 to 15 births each year with the name Geraldine. However, starting in 1926, the number of births with this name began to rise more significantly, peaking at 35 births in 1941.
After World War II, the popularity of the name Geraldine started to decline steadily. Between 1945 and 1950, there were between 9 and 20 births each year with the name Geraldine. This downward trend continued through the mid-20th century, with only a few years seeing more than 10 births with this name.
In recent decades, the name Geraldine has seen a slight resurgence in popularity, with 6 births recorded in both 1988 and 1989. While these numbers are not as high as those seen earlier in the century, they indicate that the name Geraldine continues to be used occasionally for baby girls in the United States.
Overall, these statistics show that the name Geraldine has been a part of American naming culture for many decades, with periods of both popularity and relative obscurity. Despite its fluctuations in popularity, this name has been chosen by parents for their daughters over 700 times in the United States alone.