Origin and Meaning of Geraldine

Rule of the spear

Origin: Germanic - Derived from the elements 'ger,' meaning 'spear,' and 'wald,' meaning 'rule' or 'power.'

• Geraldine became popular in the 19th century and is often considered a vintage name that evokes a sense of classic elegance.
• It is used primarily in English-speaking countries, but variations can be found in other cultures, including Géraldine in French-speaking regions.
• Notable bearers include actress Geraldine Page, who won an Academy Award, and Geraldine Ferraro, the first female vice-presidential candidate for a major U.S. political party.
• The name saw its peak popularity in the United States in the 1920s and 1930s, gradually declining in usage thereafter.
• Variations of the name include Gerda and Gerald, and diminutives such as Gerry or Gina.