Geraldine

Meaning & Origin

Meaning: Rule; Spear; Maiden

Background: The name Geraldine originates from the French feminine form of the name Gerald, which itself is derived from the Germanic elements 'ger' meaning 'spear' and 'wald' meaning 'rule.' This name transitioned into the French language as 'Geraldine,' and it is often associated with the feminine form prevalent in modern usage.

At a glance

Quick stats based on the history of this name.

Lifetime rank
#187
Total births
212,021
Most popular decade
1930s (150,795 births)
10-year trend
↓ Falling (-571 ranks)
Years in Top 100
34
First recorded year
1880

Gender usage

0.4% male 99.6% female

Stats by gender

Male

First year
1913
First year births
6
First year rank
#2,496
Peak year
1941
Peak year births
35
Peak rank
#1,107
Most recent year
1989
Recent year births
6
Recent rank
#6,940

Female

First year
1880
First year births
7
First year rank
#679
Peak year
1930
Peak year births
5,448
Peak rank
#43
Most recent year
2024
Recent year births
97
Recent rank
#2,006

Births over time

Number of babies given this name each year.

Rank over time

Popularity rank by year (1 = most popular).

Related links