Geraldine - Baby Name Meaning and Origin

Geraldine

Geraldine is a classic and elegant name with a rich history and enduring appeal. It's a name that evokes a sense of sophistication, strength, and grace. Its origins lie in Germanic roots, carrying a meaning related to 'spear' or 'ruler,' which adds a layer of power and authority to its charm.

Geraldine has been a popular name throughout the 20th century, with notable figures bearing this name contributing to its enduring appeal. While its popularity has waned in recent years, it remains a timeless choice for parents seeking a name that exudes both tradition and individuality.

Basic Information

Gender: Girl

Sounds Like: JER-əl-deen

Pronunciation Explanation: The emphasis is on the first syllable "JER", with the second syllable pronounced like "əl" and the third syllable like "deen".

Summary and Meaning

Meaning: spear-ruler, strong ruler

Origin: Geraldine is of Germanic origin, derived from the name Gerald, which means 'spear-ruler' or 'strong ruler.'

Usage: Geraldine is exclusively a female name.

Name Number (Chaldean)
29 => 2

Name Number (Pythagorean)
3
Religious and Cultural Significance

Religion: N/A

Background: Geraldine is not specifically associated with any particular religion.

Cultural Significance: Geraldine is a name with a strong cultural presence in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom. It has been a popular choice for girls for several decades, and its association with strength, elegance, and grace has contributed to its cultural significance.

Historical Significance: Geraldine has a rich historical significance, with notable figures bearing this name throughout history. Some notable examples include: * **Geraldine Ferraro** (1935-2011), the first woman nominated for Vice President of the United States by a major political party. * **Geraldine Chaplin** (born 1944), a renowned actress, known for her roles in films like 'Limelight' and 'Nashville'. * **Geraldine McEwan** (1932-2015), a celebrated British actress, known for her role as Miss Marple in the TV series 'Agatha Christie's Marple'.

Popular Culture

Literature and Mythology: Geraldine is a popular name in literature, appearing in various novels, poems, and plays. It is often used for characters who are strong, independent, and possess a certain level of sophistication.

Movies and Television: Geraldine is a name frequently used in movies and television shows, often for characters who are elegant, charismatic, and have a strong personality. Some notable examples include: * **Geraldine Page** (1924-1987), an Academy Award-winning actress, known for her roles in films like 'The Trip' and 'The Day of the Locust'. * **Geraldine Brooks** (born 1955), an American author, known for her novels like 'March' and 'People of the Book'.

Feelings and Perceptions

Perception: Geraldine is generally perceived as a classic, elegant, and sophisticated name. It evokes a sense of strength, grace, and intelligence. It is often associated with individuals who are confident, independent, and possess a strong sense of self.

Positive Feelings: Classic, elegant, sophisticated, strong, graceful, intelligent, confident, independent, timeless.

Negative Feelings: Some might find the name outdated or too formal.

Practical Considerations

Ease of Writing and Calling:

Common Typos and Misspellings: Gerladine,Geraldene,Gerrildine

Common Nicknames: Geri,Gerry,Dina,Gerri,Rina

Related Names

Similar Sounding Names: Geraldine,Gertrude,Georgina,Gwendoline,Jacqueline

Similar Meaning Names: Eleanor (light, shining),Victoria (victory),Charlotte (free man),Katherine (pure),Margaret (pearl)

Sibling Name Ideas (Brothers): William,Henry,Thomas,James,Charles

Sibling Name Ideas (Sisters): Eleanor,Olivia,Sophia,Amelia,Charlotte