Declining since 1989, #4,050 for boys today.
Popularity of Jerald since 1909
Babies named Jerald per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 5 |
| 1910s | 356 |
| 1920s | 1,091 |
| 1930s | 3,218 |
| 1940s | 5,710 |
| 1950s | 5,072 |
| 1960s | 4,132 |
| 1970s | 2,596 |
| 1980s | 1,635 |
| 1990s | 1,158 |
| 2000s | 668 |
| 2010s | 385 |
| 2020s | 165 |
Meaning & origin
Jerald peaked in popularity in 1942, ranking as a top-200 name during the 1940s. Since then, its usage has steadily declined, and by 2025 it ranked 4050, with only about 1 in 65,695 newborn boys receiving the name. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1909 and has seen a long-term downward trajectory since 1989. It remains most common in Texas among the top states. Jerald is a classic variant of Gerald, sharing the sturdy Germanic meaning of 'spear ruler,' and offers a slightly more distinctive alternative to its parent name.
Jerald is a variant of Gerald, derived from the Germanic elements 'ger' (spear) and 'wald' (rule). It was introduced to England by the Normans and became common in the Middle Ages. The spelling with 'J' emerged in the 19th century.
Where Jerald is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys 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: Jerry, Jere
Sibling names for Jerald
Names that share Jerald's style, for a brother or sister.
