Geraldine
Meaning of Geraldine
Geraldine (JER-uh-leen) began life as the feminine flip-side of the sturdy Germanic Gerald—“spear ruler”—but she soon carved out a reputation all her own, thanks to a dash of Irish romance and a few high-profile headliners. Sixteenth-century poet Henry Howard first used “The Fair Geraldine” to honor Lady Elizabeth FitzGerald, and ever since the name has felt equal parts courtly and feisty, like a heroine who can swing that symbolic spear with grace. American parents really fell under her spell in the 1940s and ’50s—think trailblazing congresswoman Geraldine Ferraro and silver-screen darling Geraldine Page—before she slipped into hidden-gem territory, now hovering in the 800s of the U.S. charts. For families who love vintage charm but still want a name that sounds fresh in the playground, Geraldine offers a warm, lilting rhythm, cute built-in nicknames (Geri, Dina, even Dean if you’re bold), and a legacy that whispers both “classic” and “courage” every time you call her to dinner.
Pronunciation
American English
- Pronunced as JER-uh-leen (/ˈdʒer.ə.lin/)
British English
- Pronunced as JER-uh-leen (/ˈdʒɛr.ə.lin/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Geraldine
| Geraldine Ferraro was a New York congresswoman who made history in 1984 as the first woman to run for vice president on a major party ticket, alongside Walter Mondale. |
| Geraldine Page was an acclaimed American actress whose four decades on stage and screen earned her an Oscar and two Emmys. |
| Geraldine Brooks was an Emmy and Tony nominated American actress who spent three decades on stage and screen and was married to author Budd Schulberg. |
| Geraldine Chaplin is a multilingual actress and the eldest child of Charlie Chaplin and Oona O'Neill. |
| Geraldine Fitzgerald was an acclaimed Irish American actress who won a Daytime Emmy, earned Oscar, Primetime Emmy, and Tony nominations, and was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. |
| Geraldine Viswanathan is an Australian actress known for the films Blockers and Bad Education and the TBS comedy series Miracle Workers. |
| Geraldine James is an acclaimed English actress best known for playing Marilla Cuthbert in Anne with an E and Queen Mary in the film Downton Abbey. |
| Geraldine Kennedy is an Irish journalist and former politician who made history as the first female editor of The Irish Times. |
| Dame Geraldine Aves was a British civil servant and social reformer who also advised the United Nations on welfare. |
| Geraldine Doyle was an American woman long mistaken for the model behind the famous World War II We Can Do It poster, a role later credited to fellow war worker Naomi Parker. |
| Geraldine Hughes is an actress from Belfast known for Rocky Balboa and Gran Torino as well as Belfast Blues, the solo play she wrote and performed herself. |
| Geraldine Bazán is a Mexican actress. |
| Geraldine Hooper - Geraldine Dening, born Emma Geraldine Henrietta Hamilton Hooper, was a British preacher and hymn writer who rose to fame in the 1860s before her death at just 31. |
| Geraldine Zivic - Géraldine Zivic is an award-winning Argentine-born Colombian actress, model and TV host best known for her telenovela roles. |
| Geraldine Fitzgerald is a British actress known for her many stage and television appearances. |
