Holding steady.
Popularity of Gerad since 1952
Babies named Gerad per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 5 |
| 1960s | 24 |
| 1970s | 138 |
| 1980s | 255 |
| 1990s | 140 |
| 2000s | 27 |
| 2010s | 5 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Gerad is a rare spelling variant of the classic Gerald, first recorded in the United States in 1952. It reached its peak year in 1982, but has never entered the top 1000 and remains a low-frequency choice. With a stable trajectory through 2025, the name offers a distinctive take on a traditional Germanic name. Parents who choose Gerad are often seeking a familiar yet uncommon alternative to Gerald or Gerard, preserving the nickname options 'Gerry' or 'Jerry' while standing apart from more common forms. Its origins are firmly Germanic, reinforced by Norman French transmission to England.
Gerad is a spelling variant of Gerald, which derives from the Germanic elements 'ger' meaning 'spear' and 'wald' meaning 'rule'. The name was introduced to England by the Normans and has been in use since the Middle Ages. Gerad as a distinct spelling emerged in the 20th century, particularly in American English.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Gerry, Jerry
Sibling names for Gerad
Names that share Gerad's style, for a brother or sister.
