Gerold is a unique and historic male given name of Germanic origin. It is composed of two elements: "geri" meaning "spear" or "lance," and "wald" which signifies "rule." Therefore, the name Gerold translates to "ruler with a spear" or "powerful ruler."
The name Gerold has its roots in medieval Germany, where it was popular among the nobility during the Middle Ages. One of the most notable figures bearing this name was Gerold I (also known as Gerold the Great), who was the Duke of Bavaria from 925 until his death in 978. He played a significant role in shaping the early history of that region and left an enduring legacy.
In addition to Germany, variations of Gerold can be found in other European countries such as France (where it appears as Gérard) and England (as Gerald). However, despite its presence across different cultures, Gerold remains relatively rare today compared to more common names like George or Gerald.
Overall, Gerold is a name rich with historical significance and strong meaning. It is an excellent choice for those looking for a unique yet meaningful moniker with deep roots in European history.
The name Gerold experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the course of a century. Initially quite common, with over 30 births each year from 1912 to 1929, it peaked in 1930 with 55 births. The next decade saw a steady decline, bottoming out at just 7 births in 1940. However, Gerold began to regain popularity post-WWII, reaching over 60 births annually from 1948 to 1956. Since then, its usage has steadily declined, with fewer than 20 births per year since the late 1970s and as low as 5 births in some recent years (1992, 1994, 1999). Overall, there were a total of 2964 babies named Gerold between 1912 and 2002.