Gearldine is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. It is derived from the Germanic elements "gar", meaning "spear", and "aldin", which signifies "noble". Thus, the name Gearldine translates to "noble spear".
The name Gearldine has its roots in medieval England, where it was used as a feminine form of the male name Gerald. The name Gerald itself is derived from the Old German name Gerhard, which consists of the elements "ger", meaning "spear", and "hard", translating to "strong" or "brave". Over time, variations such as Geralde, Geraldene, and Gearldine emerged, with some sources suggesting that these forms were used more frequently in Scotland.
The popularity of Gearldine has been quite limited throughout history. According to records from the Social Security Administration in the United States, there have only been a handful of babies named Gearldine since 1900, with no occurrences reported between 1937 and 2005. This scarcity contributes to the name's rarity and uniqueness.
In literature and popular culture, there are no prominent characters or figures named Gearldine, further emphasizing its obscurity. However, this lack of familiarity may also make it an appealing choice for parents seeking a distinctive name for their child.
In conclusion, Gearldine is an uncommon American given name with roots in medieval England. Its meaning, "noble spear", lends it a strong and powerful connotation. Despite its rarity, the name Gearldine has no specific associations with particular personality traits or celebrations, allowing those who bear this name to forge their own identities and meanings.
The given statistics show the annual number of births with the name Gearldine in the United States from 1908 to 1977. The data provides an interesting snapshot of the popularity and fluctuation of this particular name over time.
During the early years, from 1908 to 1920, the number of babies named Gearldine remained relatively low, with fewer than 68 births each year. However, there was a significant increase in popularity between 1924 and 1935, with the peak occurring in 1935 when 165 girls were named Gearldine.
The name's popularity continued to fluctuate throughout the following decades. After reaching a high of 157 births in 1942, it gradually decreased until the late 1940s and early 1950s, with fewer than 84 babies named Gearldine each year.
The mid-1950s saw another decline in popularity, with only 49 girls being named Gearldine in 1955. This trend continued into the 1960s and 1970s, with fewer than 39 births per year. The last recorded year with more than five births was 1970, after which the name's popularity seemed to dwindle, with only five births in 1977.
In total, over the span of these years, there were 4686 babies named Gearldine born in the United States. This statistical journey illustrates how the popularity and prevalence of a particular name can evolve significantly over time.