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Gerald – Name Meaning
The name Gerald is of German origin and means “ruler of the spear”. It is derived from the Old Germanic elements ger, meaning “spear”, and wald, meaning “rule”. The name was popularized by Charlemagne, who was known as Charles the Great in France.
History and Origin
Gerald has been a popular name since the Middle Ages. It was first used in England during the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Normans brought the name with them from their homeland in France. The name was also popular among the Irish and Scottish people, where it was spelled as Gearalt or Giralt. In Ireland, it is still a common name today.
In the United States, Gerald became popular in the late 19th century. It was one of the top 100 names for boys born in 1900 and remained so until 1960. Since then, its popularity has declined but it is still a relatively common name.
Symbolism
The name Gerald symbolizes strength and power. It is associated with leadership and courage. People named Gerald are often seen as reliable and trustworthy.
Nicknames
Common nicknames for Gerald include Gerry, Jerry, Ged, and Gerrie.
Matching Names in Love and Friendship – Compatibility
Gerald pairs well with names such as Elizabeth, Margaret, Catherine, Sarah, Emma, and Grace. These names all have strong associations with femininity and gentleness which complement Gerald’s masculine energy.
In terms of friendship compatibility, Gerald pairs well with names such as William, Thomas, Robert, Richard, John, and David. These names all have strong associations with loyalty and dependability which make them good friends for someone named Gerald.
