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 was quite popular in the early to mid-20th century in the United States. Between 1912 and 2002, there were a total of 2964 babies named Gerold born in the U.S., according to the Social Security Administration data.
The peak years for the name Gerold were during the late 1930s and early 1940s. The highest number of births was recorded in 1938 with 75 newborns, followed by 90 births in 1939, indicating that these two years were particularly popular for the name Gerold.
However, the popularity of the name Gerold began to decline after World War II. Between 1946 and 2002, there was a significant decrease in the number of babies named Gerold each year, with fewer than 50 births per year recorded after 1958.
It is interesting to note that there were no reported births with the name Gerold between 1996 and 1997. However, the name reappeared in 1998 with 7 births, indicating a brief resurgence of popularity for the name.
Overall, while the name Gerold was once quite popular, its usage has since declined significantly. Nevertheless, it remains a unique and distinctive name choice for parents looking to give their child a name with a rich history.