The given name Jerald is a Germanic name with roots that can be traced back to the 5th century AD. It is a combination of the Germanic elements "ger" or "ger" meaning "spear" and "wald" or "waldan" meaning "to rule" or "to govern." Together, these elements suggest a meaning of "ruler with a spear" or "spear ruler."

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Jerald can be found in the Frankish Chronicles, which documented the life of a Frankish nobleman named Jerald who lived in the late 6th century. This Jerald was known for his military prowess and served as a trusted advisor to King Childebert II.

In the 9th century, there was a Jerald who was a prominent scholar and theologian in the court of Charlemagne. This Jerald was known for his contributions to the Carolingian Renaissance and his writings on theology and philosophy.

During the Norman conquest of England in the 11th century, there was a Norman knight named Jerald who fought alongside William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. He was later rewarded with lands in northern England for his service.

In the 13th century, there was a Jerald who served as a crusader during the Fifth Crusade in the Holy Land. He was part of the forces led by King Andrew II of Hungary and participated in the siege of Damietta in 1219.

Another notable figure with the name Jerald was Jerald of Borgo San Donnino, an Italian mathematician and astronomer who lived in the 13th century. He is credited with introducing the use of Hindu-Arabic numerals to Europe and made significant contributions to the development of algebra and trigonometry.