gerald

Gerald is a masculine given name of Germanic origin, derived from the elements ger (spear) and wald (ruler, power), often interpreted as "ruler with a spear" or "spear-wielding ruler." The name has long been used in Europe and has spawned several variants in different languages.

The form arrived in England with the Norman influence and spread to various English-speaking countries. Variants include Gérald in French, Geraldo in Spanish and Italian, and Geraldus in Latin; common diminutives include Gerry and Geraldo; the feminine form Geraldine exists.

Notable people and figures associated with the name include Gerald Ford, the 38th President of the United States (1913–2006); Gerald Durrell, a British naturalist and writer (1925–1995); and Gerald McRaney, an American actor (born 1947). Gerald of Wales, also known as Giraldus Cambrensis, was a medieval Welsh cleric and chronicler (c. 1146–1221), whose works helped shape contemporary understandings of medieval Britain and Ireland.

The name has appeared in fiction and place names as well; it remains in use today, with variations in popularity by region and period. Diminutives and related forms, such as Gerry and Geraldine, reflect its ongoing presence in many languages and cultures.