Gerrard is a name of Norman origin, derived from the Germanic word 'ger', meaning 'spear', and 'hard', which means 'strong'. It was introduced to England by the Normans in the 11th century following the Norman Conquest. The name Gerrard has been used consistently throughout history, with notable bearers including Gerard of Cremonä (c.956-1039), a Muslim scholar and translator from Cremona, Italy, and Gérard Depardieu (born 1948), a French actor known for his roles in films such as 'Cyrano de Bergerac' and 'Green Card'. The name Gerrard is associated with strength and valor, reflecting its origins. It has been used consistently throughout history, demonstrating its enduring appeal.
The name Gerrard experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years. While there were periods with no recorded births (such as between 1941 and 1948), it gained traction from the late 1950s onwards, reaching its peak in the mid-1970s to early 1980s, with particularly high numbers in 1976 (15 births) and 1979 (17 births). Since then, its popularity has declined, with fewer than 10 births per year since 2011. Despite the recent decrease, Gerrard remains a name with historical significance, having been given to at least one child in each year from 1940 to 2023, totaling 628 births over these years.