Gerald is a masculine given name of Germanic origin, composed of the elements ger meaning "spear" and walt meaning "power, authority", thus translating to "power of the spear". The name was introduced to Britain by the Normans. Though it died out in England during the Middle Ages, it remained common in Ireland. It was revived in the English-speaking world in the 19th century, partly due to historical novels set in medieval times. Etymology and History Gerald is a Norman French variant of the Old Germanic name Geroald, from the elements ger ("spear") and wald ("rule"). An Old English cognate was Garweald, which likely belonged to Gerald of Mayo, an 8th-century Anglo-Saxon saint who founded a monastery in Mayo, Ireland, in 670. On the continent, several medieval French and German saints bore the name, including Gerald of Aurillac, a French count who became a Roman Catholic patron of bachelors after taking a vow of celibacy. Notable Bearers The name was common among the influential FitzGerald dynasty in Ireland, contributing to its sustained usage there after declining in England post-1300. Notable modern bearers include American President Gerald Ford (born Leslie Lynch King Jr., later renamed), and Gerald Durrell, a British naturalist and writer. Gerald is also associated with several U.S. statesmen, actors, and athletes. Variants and Related Forms English variants include Jerald, Jerold, and Jerrold. Diminutives are Gerry, Jere, and Jerry. The feminine form is Geraldine. In other languages: French Gérald and Géraud, Irish Gearóid, and Germanic Gerold. Surname descendants include Garret, Garrett, and Garrison. Meaning: "power of the spear" Origin: Germanic Type: first name Usage regions: Dutch, English, German