Gerold is the German form of Gerald, a name of Germanic origin.EtymologyTracing its roots to the medieval period, Gerald derives from the Germanic elements ger meaning “spear” and walt meaning “power” or “authority,” giving the full meaning “power of the spear.” Introduced to Britain by the Normans, Gerald was common in medieval Ireland but eventually faded there. It saw a revival in English-speaking countries in the 19th century. In its native German sphere, the form Gerold has remained a distinct variant, alongside Gerhold and the archaic Geroald.Historical BearersNotable figures include Gerold of Anglachgau (c. 730 – 784/786 or 795), a count in the Kraichgau and Anglachgau regions, whose lineage held power in Alemannic territories. Gerold, Prefect of Bavaria (died 799), served as Margrave of the Avarian March and Prefect of Bavaria, playing a key role in Carolingian border administration. A saint bearing the name was Gerold of Cologne (1201–1251), a martyr venerated in Cologne. In Switzerland, the name is also attested in toponyms such as Sankt Gerold, a municipality in Vorarlberg, Austria.Modern BearersGerold BührerSwiss politician, National Council member (1991–2007)Gerold LöfflerSwiss bobsledder, active in early 1990sGerold SchwarzenbachSwiss chemist (1904–1978)Gerold SpäthSwiss poet and writer (b. 1939)Meaning: power of the spearOrigin: GermanicType: given nameUsage: German, Germanic