Origin and meaning of the name Geraldine

Geraldine is a female given name, derived from the masculine name Gerald, which has Germanic origins. The name Gerald (originally Giraldus) consists of two parts - "gara" meaning spear and "wald", meaning ruler or power. Over time, the feminine form Geraldine developed, often used in English-speaking countries since the Middle Ages.

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The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Geraldine

Geraldine is a feminine given name of Germanic origin, derived from the masculine name Gerald, which itself comes from the Germanic elements "gera" meaning "spear" and "wald" meaning "rule" or "power." The female form, Geraldine, signifies one who rules with a spear or a powerful spear-woman. The name gained popularity during the Middle Ages in Europe, particularly among the Normans. It was also favored by the Tudor dynasty, as King Henry VII's mother was named Lady Margaret Beaufort, whose middle name was Geraldine. The name remained fashionable throughout the Renaissance and has been borne by several notable figures, including Geraldine Brooks, an Australian-American author, and Geraldine Ferraro, a former U.S. Congresswoman and Vice Presidential candidate.

Character traits associated with the name Geraldine

Geraldine is often characterized as a strong-willed and independent woman. She possesses a keen intellect, demonstrating a natural curiosity and an innate ability to grasp complex concepts. Her persuasive communication skills make her an effective leader, capable of inspiring others towards common goals. Emotional intelligence guides Geraldine, allowing her to empathize with those around her while maintaining a steadfast resolve in her convictions. She values open-mindedness and intellectual growth, constantly seeking out new knowledge and experiences. However, Geraldine's determination can sometimes lead her to be stubborn, refusing to yield on matters she believes passionately in. Despite this, her resilience and adaptability enable her to overcome obstacles with grace and tenacity. Overall, Geraldine is a dynamic and influential individual, combining intellect, empathy, and leadership to create an impactful presence in any setting.

Popularity of the name Geraldine

Geraldine is a female given name of French origin, derived from the Germanic name Gerard, meaning "spear brave" or "ruled by the spear." Historically, Geraldine was quite popular in the United States during the early to mid-20th century but has since declined in usage. According to data from the Social Security Administration (SSA), Geraldine reached its peak popularity in 1934 when it ranked as the 86th most commonly given name for girls born that year. By the end of the 20th century, however, the name had fallen out of the top 1000 most popular names for newborn American girls. As of recent years, Geraldine is not among the top 1000 names for newborns according to SSA data. In contemporary society, the name Geraldine is relatively uncommon and may be less familiar to younger generations compared to other traditional female given names.

Famous people with the name Geraldine

Geraldine Fitzgerald, an American actress born in 1913, is one of the most renowned individuals sharing the name. She gained critical acclaim for her role as Scarlett O'Hara's friend Suellen in the epic film "Gone with the Wind" (1939). Fitzgerald continued to excel in both film and television, earning an Emmy Award for her work on the drama series "Ryan's Hope." Geraldine Page, another prominent figure, was an American actress born in 1924. She is best known for her powerful and emotionally intense performances, particularly as Martha in Edward Albee's "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" (1962), a role which earned her both the Tony Award and the Academy Award for Best Actress. Lastly, Geraldine Brooks, born in 1955, is an Australian-American author who has garnered international recognition. She won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2006 for her novel "March," a companion to Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women." These remarkable women, Geraldine Fitzgerald, Geraldine Page, and Geraldine Brooks, each made significant contributions to their respective fields: acting and literature.

Variations of the name Geraldine

Geraldine is a feminine given name with various spelling and pronunciation variations. The most common forms include Geraldine, Geraldene, Geraldina, Geraldyne, and Geraldeen. Each of these versions retains the original root "Gerald," which is derived from Germanic elements meaning "spear rule" or "rule of the spear." The "dine" suffix in many variations denotes femininity in old English. In some cases, like Geraldyne and Geraldeen, the y or e at the end serves to soften the 'd' sound, giving a more melodious pronunciation. Over time, regional differences have led to further adaptations of the name, such as Geraldina in Spanish-speaking countries, reflecting the language's influence on naming conventions.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the first name "geraldine"
• Global distribution of the first name on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 14 June 2025

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