Gerardine

Meaning & origin

Gerardine is a feminine name that has seen limited use in the United States. It first appeared in Social Security records in 1930, and its peak year was 1950, reflecting a mid-century fashion for elaborate feminine forms of masculine names. Since then, its usage has declined steadily; in the most recent year of data (2025), it did not rank within the top 1,000 names, and the estimated frequency is fewer than 1 in 1 million births. The trajectory shows a stable pattern of very low use, with no revival in recent decades. Unlike some similar names, Gerardine has never been concentrated in any specific state, as historical records show no top state associations. It may appeal to parents seeking a distinctive name with a classic feel, linked to the strong heritage of Gerard.

Gerardine is the feminine form of Gerard, a name of Germanic origin composed of the elements "ger" (spear) and "hard" (brave, hardy). It was introduced to England by the Normans and became established as a given name. The feminine variant Gerardine emerged in the 19th century, following the pattern of other French feminine forms like Geraldine. Its use peaked in the mid-20th century before declining.