Meaning, origin, history
Geraldine is a feminine given name of English origin. It is derived from the male name Gerald, which is composed of the Germanic elements "ger" meaning "spear" and "wald" meaning "rule". Therefore, the name Geraldine means "rules with the spear", or more figuratively, it could mean "strong ruler".
The name Geraldine first appeared in the 13th century as a diminutive form of Geralda, a female name of Germanic origin. It was not widely used until the 19th century when it became popular among families of Scottish and Irish descent.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Geraldine. For instance, Geraldine Chaplin is an English actress known for her roles in films such as "Dr. Zhivago" and "Nashville". Additionally, Geraldine Ferraro was an American politician who became the first woman to run for Vice President of the United States on a major party ticket in 1984.
In literature, the name Geraldine is associated with the character Geraldine Grissom from the television series "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation".
Overall, the name Geraldine has a strong and powerful meaning that reflects its Germanic origins. It has been worn by many notable individuals throughout history, both in real life and in fiction.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Gerldine since 1880
Total births
483
Total since 1880
Peak year
1933
23 births
in 1969
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years