Origin and Meaning of Gerold

Spear ruler

Origin: Germanic - Derived from the Old High German elements 'ger' meaning 'spear' and 'wald' meaning 'rule.'

• Gerold has historical roots in Germanic tribes, where names often reflected the warrior culture.
• The name is prevalent in German-speaking countries and can sometimes be found in variations across other European countries.
• Notable bearers of the name include Gerold of Reichenau, a monk and scholar in the 11th century.
• Gerold's popularity has fluctuated over the centuries, becoming less common in recent decades.
• Variations of the name include Gerald (common in English-speaking countries) and Gerrit (Dutch).