Boy · 204th of 7,552
Gerard
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
58,833
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1956
Peak Popularity Year
1,617
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Gerard stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
The name Gerard originates from Germanic roots, meaning 'brave spear'. It evolved through various forms, including Gerhard and Gerardus, reflecting its historical usage since the medieval period. The name embodies traits of strength and bravery, with no biblical relevance. Today, it is perceived as a classic and dignified name, with notable bearers in various fields.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈdʒɛr.əd/
Origin
Germanic
Etymology
The name Gerard is derived from the Germanic elements 'ger' meaning 'spear' and 'hard' meaning 'brave' or 'strong'.
Meaning
Brave spear
Language Evolution
Gerhard, Gerardus, Gerard
Historical Usage
Gerard gained popularity in medieval Europe, particularly among the Normans and was introduced to England after the Norman Conquest in the 11th century.
Variants & Derivatives
Gerhard, Gerrard, Gerry
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Gerard is often associated with strength and bravery. It is considered a classic name that carries a sense of dignity.
Famous People
Gerard Butler, Gerard Depardieu, Gerard Way
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 1,617 peak births in 1956
Geographic Spread
Popular across 45 US states, with strongest presence in New Hampshire
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 8 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 12 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 263rd of 7545 | 7,223 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 219th of 6773 | 10,694 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 204th of 7552 | 24,019 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 362nd of 10718 | 7,769 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 561st of 16616 | 4,804 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 1116th of 24088 | 2,362 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 1283rd of 23106 | 1,764 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 6965th of 9107 | 17 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 7328th of 9204 | 15 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 7387th of 12526 | 43 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 12822nd of 19264 | 23 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 21402nd of 27321 | 14 |