The nameGeraldine
Geraldine is the feminine of Gerald. It was a top 40 American name in 1931.
- Girl's name
- Germanic
Meaning
Geraldine comes from Gerald, from the Germanic ger, "spear", and wald, "rule".
Origin
Germanic, through English.
History
The poet Henry Howard coined Geraldine for a lady of the FitzGerald family in the 16th century. In the United States it reached 38th place in 1931.
Did you know?
- In 1984 Geraldine Ferraro became the first woman to run for Vice President of the United States for a major party.
Famous people named Geraldine
- Geraldine Chaplin, actress
- Geraldine Ferraro, politician
- Geraldine McEwan, actress
Popularity of the name Geraldine
Geraldine in the United States
Geraldine was most popular in the United States in the 1930s, with 50,265 births over the decade, 24% of all recorded babies named Geraldine. Its rise began around 1910, and it peaked in 1930. Half of all babies named Geraldine in the United States were born before 1936, so it is mostly a great-grandparents' generation name. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 118 births a year.
Geraldine in Ireland
Geraldine was most popular in Ireland in the 1960s, with 2,895 births over the decade, 44% of all recorded babies named Geraldine. Half of all babies named Geraldine in Ireland were born before 1971, so it is mostly a parents' generation name.
Geraldine in France
Variants and related names
Sibling names for Geraldine
Names from the same generation as Geraldine, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Geraldine? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Geraldine with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Geraldine side by side with the name of your choice.
Geraldine in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Geraldine mean?
Geraldine comes from Gerald, from the Germanic ger, "spear", and wald, "rule".
What is the origin of the name Geraldine?
Germanic, through English.
Is Geraldine a girl's or a boy's name?
Geraldine is a girl's name.
How popular is the name Geraldine?
In 2024, Geraldine was the 2018th most popular name for baby girls in the United States, with 97 births.
What are the variants of the name Geraldine?
Variants and related names of Geraldine include Gerald.
What are good sibling names for Geraldine?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Ema, Charlene, Emeline and Malina for a sister, Konrad, Johann, Ervin and Guy for a brother.
Who are famous people named Geraldine?
Geraldine Chaplin, actress; Geraldine Ferraro, politician; Geraldine McEwan, actress.