Holding steady.
Popularity of Gearld since 1914
Babies named Gearld per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 97 |
| 1920s | 415 |
| 1930s | 933 |
| 1940s | 1,107 |
| 1950s | 957 |
| 1960s | 517 |
| 1970s | 182 |
| 1980s | 73 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Gearld is a rare variant of the more familiar name Gerald. According to U.S. Social Security data, the name first appeared in records in 1914 but has never entered the top 1000. Its peak year was 1941, when it achieved its highest recorded usage. Over the past century, the name has maintained a consistently low but stable presence. Although it is not common today, the trajectory has remained steady without significant decline or resurgence. The alternative spelling reflects a phonetic preference that other parents of the early-to-mid 20th century also adopted, such as Jerald. While Gearld did not have a strong association with any particular state as a top choice, it nonetheless represents a distinctive take on a classic name.
Gearld is a variant spelling of Gerald, which derives from the Germanic elements ger ('spear') and wald ('rule'). The name Gerald was introduced to England by the Normans and became established in the Middle Ages. The Gearld spelling has appeared occasionally in American records since the early 20th century, likely as a phonetic variation.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Gary, Gerry
Sibling names for Gearld
Names that share Gearld's style, for a brother or sister.
