Find out how popular the first name Gearld has been for the last 15 years (from 1974 to 1988) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Gearld by gender

Based on the last 15 years of data, Gearld is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 1988, there were 11 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Gearld.

The history of the first name Gearld

The given name Gearld is a variant spelling of the more common name Gerald, which has its origins in the Germanic languages. It is derived from the Old German words "ger" meaning "spear" and "waltan" meaning "to rule" or "to wield." Together, these root words combine to form the meaning "ruler of the spear" or "spear-ruler."

The name first appeared in its original Germanic form during the Middle Ages, around the 8th to 10th centuries. It was particularly popular among the Frankish and Visigothic nobility, reflecting the warrior culture of that era. The name was likely introduced to Britain during the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, where it gained widespread use.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The book lists several individuals with the name Gerald, indicating its presence in medieval England.

Throughout history, the name Gearld (or its more common spelling, Gerald) has been borne by several notable figures. One of the earliest was Gerald of Wales, a medieval chronicler and historian who lived from around 1146 to 1223. He is known for his writings on the conquest of Ireland and his descriptions of Welsh culture.

Another prominent figure was Gerald, Count of Aurillac, a French nobleman who lived from around 855 to 909. He was known for his piety and is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church.

In the 16th century, Gerard Mercator, a Flemish cartographer and geographer (1512-1594), made significant contributions to the field of mapmaking and is credited with creating the Mercator projection, which is still used in navigation today.

In the literary world, Gerald Manley Hopkins (1844-1889) was an influential English poet and Jesuit priest, known for his innovative use of language and pioneering of the modern style of poetry.

More recently, Gerald R. Ford (1913-2006) served as the 38th President of the United States from 1974 to 1977, taking office after the resignation of Richard Nixon during the Watergate scandal.

While the name Gearld is a less common variant, it shares the rich history and heritage of its more widely used counterpart, Gerald, reflecting its Germanic origins and the influence of various cultures throughout the centuries.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Gearld was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Gearld, please contact us.

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