Geral is a unique and distinctive name of Portuguese origin. It is derived from the Germanic name Gerald, which was introduced to Portugal by the Visigoths during their rule in the Iberian Peninsula. The name Gerald itself is composed of two elements: "ger," meaning "spear," and "-ald," meaning "power" or "rule." Therefore, Geral can be translated as "spear power" or "spear ruler."
The name Geral has a rich history in Portugal, with several notable figures throughout the centuries bearing this name. One of the most famous was Gerald the Fearless (Geraldus Ferrões), a 12th-century Portuguese knight who fought against the Moors and played a significant role in the Reconquista. His bravery and valor have contributed to the name Geral being associated with courage and strength.
Although Geral is not as commonly used today as it once was, it remains an attractive option for parents seeking a distinctive and meaningful name for their child. Its unique sound and Portuguese origins make it stand out among other names, while its historical significance provides a sense of heritage and tradition.
The given statistics show the annual number of births with the name Geral in the United States from 1920 to 1990. Over this 71-year period, there were a total of 224 babies named Geral.
Looking at the data year by year, we can see that the popularity of the name Geral varied significantly over time. The years with the highest number of births were 1956 and 1940, each with 9 births. On the other hand, there were several years where only one baby named Geral was born.
It's interesting to note that the decade with the most births for this name was the 1940s, with a total of 48 births, while the 1920s had the fewest with just 7 births. The peak year for naming babies Geral in the United States was 1956.
Overall, these statistics provide insight into how the name Geral has been received over time and its relative popularity compared to other names during this period.