The name Gerald has its origins in the Germanic languages, deriving from the Old German name Gerwald. It is composed of two elements: "gair" meaning "spear" and "waldan" meaning "to rule" or "to wield." Together, the name signifies "one who rules with a spear" or "spear-ruler."

Gerald's earliest recorded use can be traced back to the 8th century, appearing in medieval Germanic chronicles and records. It gained popularity among the Franks and later spread throughout Western Europe, particularly in areas with Germanic cultural influences.

One of the earliest documented references to the name Gerald can be found in the Vita Sancti Germani, a biography of St. Germanus of Auxerre (c. 378-448), written in the 5th century. The text mentions a Frankish nobleman named Gerald who played a significant role in the saint's life.

In the Middle Ages, the name Gerald was particularly popular among the nobility and ruling classes. Notable historical figures who bore this name include Gerald of Aurillac (855-909), a French nobleman and founder of the Abbey of Aurillac; Gerald of Wales (c. 1146-1223), a medieval chronicler and Archbishop of Braga; and Gerald of Windsor (d. 1135), a prominent Anglo-Norman baron who served as Constable of Pembroke Castle.

During the Renaissance period, the name Gerald gained further prominence. Gerald Fitzgerald, 9th Earl of Kildare (c. 1487-1534), was an influential Irish nobleman and Lord Deputy of Ireland. In the literary world, Gerald de Barri (c. 1146-1223), also known as Giraldus Cambrensis, was a renowned medieval scholar and author who wrote extensively on topics such as geography, history, and ecclesiastical matters.

In more recent times, notable figures with the name Gerald include Gerald Ford (1913-2006), the 38th President of the United States; Gerald Durrell (1925-1995), a British naturalist, zookeeper, and author; and Gerald Stern (1925-2022), an American poet and essayist who served as the Poet Laureate of New Jersey.

While the name Gerald has Germanic roots, it has been adopted and used across various cultures and regions throughout history, reflecting its enduring appeal and the diverse backgrounds of those who have borne this name.