Declining since 1989, #2,438 for girls today.
Popularity of Geraldine since 1880
Babies named Geraldine per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 192 |
| 1890s | 758 |
| 1900s | 2,589 |
| 1910s | 18,990 |
| 1920s | 48,044 |
| 1930s | 50,042 |
| 1940s | 47,933 |
| 1950s | 24,222 |
| 1960s | 9,789 |
| 1970s | 2,232 |
| 1980s | 1,561 |
| 1990s | 1,198 |
| 2000s | 1,417 |
| 2010s | 1,719 |
| 2020s | 663 |
Meaning & origin
Geraldine is a name with classic roots, derived from the Germanic elements for spear and rule. It peaked in popularity in 1931, when it was a frequent choice for baby girls, ranking high on the U.S. charts. Since then, its usage has steadily declined, and as of 2025 it ranks 2,438, with an estimated 1 in 22,017 newborns given the name. The trajectory has been consistently falling since 1989. Geraldine is most commonly found in the states of North Carolina, California, and Texas, reflecting a broad but shrinking appeal. The name has a feminine yet strong sound, often shortened to nicknames like Gerri or Gerry. It shares a style with mid-century names such as Marjorie and Harold, suggesting a vintage charm that might appeal to parents seeking a retro revival.
Geraldine is the feminine form of Gerald, a Germanic name derived from the elements 'ger' (spear) and 'wald' (rule). It was introduced to England by the Normans and was popularized in the 19th century, partly via the poet Geraldine Jewsbury. The name experienced a peak in the 1930s but has since become less common.
Where Geraldine is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Gerri, Gerry, Deenie, Dina
Sibling names for Geraldine
Names that share Geraldine's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Genevieve, Josephine, Marjorie, Beatrice, Eleanor, Alfreda, Earlene, Earline, Jerilyn, Gerrie, Herminia, Jeraldine, Jeralyn, Reginia, Bernadean, Delorse, Doralee, Geraldean, Gerldine, Jearldine, Jerlean, Marcine, Thomasena, Walterine, Arthurine, Caretha, Claudean, Gerlene, Haroldine, Jeraline, Jereline, Jerlyn, Jerrine, Thomasene, Vernadine, Yeraldin, Adlean, Doralene, Gearldene, Gerardine, Jeananne, Jeralynn, Jerilee, Jeroline, Johnella, Merrianne, Modine, Richardine, Vernestine
Brothers: Gerald, Harold, Raymond, Edmund, Walter, Jerald, Ronald, Jerrold, Therman, Jerrel, Derrel, Gergory, Jerard, Jerrald, Shadrick, Everard, Jerryl
