Geraldine
Geraldine is the feminine of Gerald, from the Germanic "ger" (spear) and "wald" (rule) — meaning "ruler with the spear." The feminine form was created by the English poet Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, in the 16th century for a poem addressed to a woman named Geraldine. The name then spread through English literary usage. Geraldine was a top-100 American name from 1915 to 1945, peaking at #44 in 1934. Geraldine Ferraro (1935-2011) was the first woman nominated for Vice President by a major US political party (in 1984), running with Walter Mondale. Geraldine Chaplin (born 1944), the actress and daughter of Charlie Chaplin, gave the name cinematic visibility. I find Geraldine slightly heavy — the "G" opening is firm, the "ld" cluster gives it weight, and the "ine" ending gives it length. The nickname Gerry (as in Geraldine Ferraro) lightens it. The name has been outside the US top 1000 since 2001 and is unlikely to return soon. But the Geraldine Ferraro association gives it a feminist-political weight that few mid-century names possess. Geraldine is a female name of Germanic / French origin that means "Ruler with the spear (feminine of Gerald)". Mid-century, capable, and a little heavy. The name sounds serious. Geraldines tend to be principled. US peaked #44 in 1934. Outside top 1000 since 2001. Well-known people named Geraldine include Geraldine Ferraro (politician), Geraldine Chaplin (actress), Geraldine (Surrey poem), Geraldine Page (actress). Common variations and related forms of Geraldine include Gerald (male form), Gerry (nickname), Gerda (German short), Germaine (related).