Gerard

Gerard is a masculine given name of Germanic origin, related to the names Gerald and Gerhard. It is formed from elements commonly interpreted as spear and hardy or brave, roughly meaning "spear-strong" or "spear-brave." The name has medieval roots and spread across Europe, where it has taken various local forms. In French, the name appears as Gérard; in German and Dutch contexts, as Gerhard or Gerard; in English as Gerald. Diminutives and common nicknames include Gerry.

The name has been borne by saints, scholars, artists, and athletes, contributing to its continued use. Notable individuals include Saint Gerard Majella (1726–1755), an Italian lay religious figure venerated in the Catholic Church; Gerard Way (born 1977), American musician and frontman of My Chemical Romance; Gerard Depardieu (born 1948), French actor; Gerard Butler (born 1969), Scottish actor; and Gerard Piqué (born 1987), Spanish footballer.

As a surname, Gerard occurs in some cases, often as a variant spelling in French-speaking or Dutch-speaking regions, reflecting the common practice of using given names as surnames over generations.