Holding steady.
Popularity of Jearldine since 1919
Babies named Jearldine per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1946, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Jearldine's real moment was 1933.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 5 |
| 1920s | 55 |
| 1930s | 112 |
| 1940s | 135 |
| 1950s | 63 |
| 1960s | 12 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Jearldine is a rare spelling variant of Geraldine, a name that enjoyed moderate popularity in the early 20th century. According to U.S. Social Security data, Jearldine first appeared in 1919 and reached its peak in 1933, when it was most frequently recorded. Despite its peak in the 1930s, the name never entered the national Top 1000, and its usage has remained extremely low since then, with the trajectory showing stable, negligible numbers in recent decades. The name's distinctive spelling sets it apart from the more common Geraldine, making it a unique choice for parents drawn to vintage, uncommon names.
Jearldine appears to be an alternate spelling of Geraldine, itself the feminine form of Gerald. Gerald derives from the Germanic elements ger 'spear' and wald 'rule'. Geraldine emerged in English in the 16th century, popularized by the poet Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, who used it in his poems. Jearldine, with its distinctive 'Jear-' spelling, likely arose as a variant in the early 20th century, reflecting phonetic spelling preferences. Its usage peaked in the 1930s but has since declined, remaining a rare choice.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Jerry, Dina, Geri
Sibling names for Jearldine
Names that share Jearldine's style, for a brother or sister.
