Gerald is a common male name in the United States, Canada and other English-speaking countries. It is occasionally also spelt Jerald, and is often found shortened to Gerry (note that Jerry is more normally a shortened form of Jeremiah, Jeremy and Jerome but is also used for Gerald). It originates from the Germanic roots gēr, spear, and waltan, to rule.

Famous Geralds have included:
* Gerald Ford
* Gerald Martin Johanssen
* Gerald Murphy
* Gerald Nabarro
* Gerald Gardiner, Baron Gardiner
* Gerald of Wales (Gerallt Gymro, Giraldus Cambrensis).

Several Geralds are saints of the Roman Catholic Church:
* Saint Gerald

There is also a town of Gerald in Missouri, USA.
* Ron Harris, a professional wrestler was briefly known as Gerald.

There was also a ska band from Brisbane, Australia named Geraldhttp://www.gerald.music.net.au, their career spanning from 1999-2005.

Reference

* ''Brewer's Names'', ISBN 0304340774
ca:Gerard

Biography courtesy of the brilliant Wikipedia!