Gervase is an uncommon given name of Old French origin, derived from the Germanic elements 'ger' meaning 'spear' and 'vasu' meaning 'ruler'. It was brought to England by the Normans after the 1066 conquest and was once quite popular among the nobility. The name's popularity has since waned, making it rare in modern times.
"The name Gervase experienced fluctuating popularity between 1915 and 1960, with a notable spike to 16 births in 1930."