Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Jerald
BoyGermanic, English· “variant of Gerald, spear rule”
- Meaning
- variant of Gerald, spear rule
- Origin
- Germanic, English
- Pronunciation
- JEH-ruhld
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #4,081
- US babies 2025
- 26
- Best rank
- #223 (1942)
- Peak year
- 1942
Meaning and origin of Jerald
Jerald is a Germanic and English name that means “variant of Gerald, spear rule”.
Jerald is an American respelling of Gerald, a Germanic name built from ger, spear, and wald, rule. Gerald came to England with the Normans and survived as a steady, if uncommon, choice until it became fashionable in the early twentieth century. Spelling it with a J simply matches how English speakers already say it, JEH-ruhld, and avoids any question of a hard G. Jerold and Jerrold are further variants, and Gerard is a close cousin with a different second element. Jerry is the traditional short form. Today Jerald has a mid-century feel, familiar from grandfathers and uncles rather than playgrounds.
Other spellings with the same sound: Gerald, Jerrold.
Popularity over time
Jerald first appears in US Social Security records in 1909. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 78 different years, starting in 1916. Its best national rank was #223 in 1942, the same year it reached its highest count of 647 babies. In 2025, 26 babies were named Jerald, and it ranked #4,081 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #899 in 1920, #300 in 1950, #630 in 1980, #1,594 in 2000, #2,759 in 2010, and #4,081 in 2025. Of the 26,191 US boys named Jerald since records began, 22% were born in the 1940s, its biggest decade. The 1950s come next, with 5,072 babies. Since 2010, 550 more have been named Jerald.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Mack, Mcarthur, Errol, and Jerold.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Jerald ranked highest in Texas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | #2748 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Jerald is usually pronounced JEH-ruhld, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with J and ends in “-ld”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Gerald and Jerrold.
Middle names for Jerald
A few middle names that flow with Jerald: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Jerald
Similar names
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Lists that include Jerald
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Jerald mean?
Jerald is a Germanic and English name that means “variant of Gerald, spear rule”.
What is the origin of the name Jerald?
Jerald has Germanic and English roots. Jerald is an American respelling of Gerald, a Germanic name built from ger, spear, and wald, rule.
Is Jerald a popular name?
Not especially. Jerald ranked #4,081 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Jerald a boy or girl name?
Jerald is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Jerald?
Jerald is usually pronounced JEH-ruhld. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings