Geraldene is a name of English origin that has been used for both males and females throughout history. The name is derived from the Germanic elements ger, which means "spear," and ald, meaning "old." Therefore, Geraldene can be interpreted as "strong old warrior."
The name Geraldene has a rich history, with several notable figures bearing this unique moniker. One of the most famous Geraldenes was Geraldene FitzWalter (also known as Geraldine), who was an English noblewoman during the 12th century. She was the daughter of Walter FitzOther and a member of the powerful Norman family, the Fitz Walters.
Geraldene FitzWalter played an essential role in the political landscape of medieval England. She married Gilbert de Gant, an influential lord with extensive lands in Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire. Together they had several children who would go on to hold prominent positions within English society. Geraldene's most notable offspring was Gilbert II de Gant, who served as Sheriff of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.
Through the centuries, the name Geraldene has continued to appear among various families and societies, though its usage has remained relatively uncommon compared to more popular names like Gerald or Geraldine. Today, it serves as a unique choice for parents seeking an distinctive yet historically significant name for their child.
The name Geraldene has seen a varied history of popularity over the years in the United States, with several peaks and troughs in its usage. The earliest recorded birth was in 1913, with just six babies given this unique name.
Over the next decade, Geraldene saw fluctuating popularity, reaching as high as 28 births in 1928 and dropping to as low as five births in 1954. This pattern of inconsistency continued throughout the decades, with peaks in the late 1930s and early 1940s (reaching a high of 28 births in 1943), followed by a decline.
The name experienced another spike in popularity during the mid-1950s to early 1960s, with a total of 765 births recorded since its first appearance in 1913. After 1966, however, Geraldene's popularity began to decline significantly, with only sporadic appearances in the birth records until the most recent record in 1970, where six babies were named Geraldene.
In conclusion, while Geraldene has been a distinctive and unique name throughout its history in the United States, it has not gained widespread popularity. Its usage has fluctuated over the decades, with periods of higher frequency followed by extended periods of rarity. Despite this, the name continues to be used occasionally, contributing to its overall total of 765 births recorded over the years.