Geraline

Meaning & origin

Geraline is a rare feminine name that saw its highest usage during the 1930s, peaking in 1938. Despite never ranking in the national top 1000, it maintained a steady, if low, level of use through the mid-20th century before declining sharply. The name is almost certainly a variant of Geraldine, itself a feminine elaboration of Gerald. Its trajectory has been stable in the sense that it never experienced a sudden surge or revival, remaining a quiet choice for parents seeking an old-fashioned, slightly uncommon name. The earliest recorded use in the United States was 1914, placing it in the wave of -ine suffix names fashionable at the time. Though it did not break into any state's top popularity lists, it represents a small but enduring thread in American naming history.

Geraline is likely a variant of Geraldine, the feminine form of Gerald, which derives from the Germanic elements 'ger' (spear) and 'wald' (rule). Alternatively, it may be a feminine form of Gerard, from 'ger' (spear) and 'hard' (brave, strong). The name Geraldine was popularized in the 19th century, and Geroline appears as a rarer spelling variant. Records show sporadic use in the United States since the early 20th century, with a peak in the 1930s.