Gerald: Name Day, Name Meaning & More
Name days are cultural traditions celebrating saints or historical figures associated with a given name, offering an additional celebratory date beyond a birthday. The name Gerald possesses a rich Germanic origin meaning "rule of the spear," projecting a strong and traditionally dignified mood. Historically popular in the US mid-century, Gerald remains a classic choice and is distinctly masculine. It is celebrated on various dates globally, including April 19 in the USA and December 5 in France and parts of Central Europe.
Name Day: Dates by Country
Gerald's name day is celebrated
on April 19 in the USA,
October 13 in Austria and Poland and
December 5 in Austria, France (
Gérald) and Poland.
The Story Behind This Name
Gerald maintained a steady presence in the United States throughout the 20th century. Its peak popularity occurred during the 1930s and 1940s, often ranking within the top 50 names nationally. While usage has significantly declined since the 1960s, it remains a recognizable and established traditional choice. The name carries a historical weight, often associated with mid-century American culture and traditional naming conventions. It transitioned from a fashionable choice to a solid, less frequently chosen, classic option today.
Name origin and meaning
The name Gerald is derived from ancient Germanic linguistic roots. It is historically composed of two distinct elements combined into a single designation. The first element relates specifically to the concept of the spear or a sharp weapon used in combat. The second element signifies rule, power, or dominion over others in a governing sense. Consequently, the name traditionally conveys a meaning related to the powerful rule of the spear or a commanding warrior.
Name Identity: Gender Classification
Gerald is universally recognized as a distinctly masculine name across Western naming traditions. Its classification is entirely male, and usage as a feminine or truly unisex designation is virtually nonexistent globally. In English-speaking countries like the USA, Canada, and the UK, it operates exclusively within the male identity space. This consistency reinforces its long-standing status as a traditional boy's name throughout history. Therefore, Gerald maintains a strong and established male classification worldwide.
The Name Effect: Mood, Tone & Personality
The name Gerald evokes a mood best described as strong and traditionally dignified. It possesses a slightly formal and grounded tone, suggesting reliability and earnestness. The vibe leans distinctly towards classic rather than trendy, carrying an aura of established professionalism and maturity. It is neither playful nor overly soft, instead projecting a stable, serious personality. This traditional nature gives the name a sense of unwavering, classic strength and sobriety.
A Perfectly Balanced Name with Unique Letters: Gerald
An isogrammic name is a unique type of name where no letter appears more than once. This characteristic makes it visually and structurally distinct, adding to its appeal. Such names are relatively rare, especially those with six or more letters, making them stand out even more. Having an isogrammic name gives it a balanced and harmonious look, making it a special choice.
Unlocking the Hidden Meaning of Name: Gerald
Your name is more than just a label - it holds a unique energy that influences your personality, destiny, and life path. Through numerology and astrology, we uncover the deeper meanings behind your name, revealing your strengths, challenges, and the energy you bring into the world.
Pythagorean Numerology: The Hidden Meaning of Name
Destiny number: 11 – The Visionary (Master Intuition).
Keywords: Intuition, spiritual awakening, enlightenment, inspiration.
Positive Traits: Highly intuitive, visionary, creative, empathetic, psychic abilities.
Challenges: Anxiety, nervous energy, fear of failure, sensitivity overload.
Life Path Meaning: A calling to inspire others with deep spiritual insights and creativity.
Chaldean Numerology: Name Energy and Spiritual Insights
First name number: 9 - The Humanitarian.
Traits: Compassionate, idealistic, wise, selfless.
Strengths: Generous, charismatic, inspires others.
Challenges: Can be overly emotional, self-sacrificing, or struggle with boundaries.
The Cosmic Secret Code: What The Name Says About You
The name is linked to the planet that governs it, shaping the name's meaning and influencing the traits associated with it.
Planet: Moon - Emotions, Intuition, Nurturing.
The Moon governs emotions, intuition, and deep connections with others. Names ruled by the Moon carry an aura of gentleness, care, and introspection. Those with Moon-ruled names are often empathetic, protective, and highly in tune with their feelings and the emotions of those around them. Their nurturing nature makes them excellent caregivers and trusted confidants.
Name days: Name Gerald
This list shows name days in different countries where the name is written in the same form. The dates are based on traditional calendars and cultural name celebrations. If your name matches exactly, you can see when it is honored in various parts of the world.
| Country | Month | Day | Name days |
USA | April | 19 | Garett, Garey, Garret, Garrett, Garvey, Garvin, Gary, Gerald, Geraldine, Geri, Gerry, Jared, Jarod, Jarred, Jarrett, Jarrod, Jerald, Jeri, Jerod, Jerri, Jerrod, Jerry |
Austria | October | 13 | Eduard, Gerald |
Poland | October | 13 | Daniel, Edward, Gerald, Geraldyna, Maurycy, Mikołaj, Siemisław, Teofil |
Austria | December | 5 | Anno, Gerald, Niels, Reinhard |
France | December | 5 | Gérald, Gérard |
Poland | December | 5 | Anastazy, Gerald, Geraldyna, Kryspina, Krystyna, Pęcisława, Saba |
Name days: Similar names (Gerald)
Here you’ll find name days for names that are similar in spelling, pronunciation, or origin. Many cultures group related names together, even if they are not identical. If your name has a close variation, you may find relevant name day dates in this section.
Gerald a strong and dignified classic
Gerald is a profoundly masculine name rooted in Germanic elements signifying strength and powerful rule. While its peak popularity in the USA was decades ago, it endures as a sturdy and classic option, carrying a strong and dignified mood. This established identity is reinforced by its celebration across multiple international name days. Key observance dates include April 19 in the US and December 5 in countries such as France and Poland, confirming Gerald’s global presence as a traditional and respected designation.
When Is Your Name Day?
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