Gerry

Published U.S. birth records include this spelling as early as 1904. This is the earliest published observation available here, rather than a date for the name’s origin. In English use, Gerry is a diminutive of Geraldine. The history of Geraldine gives this family its wider story. The Earl of Surrey created Geraldine in the sixteenth century in a poem praising Lady Fitzgerald. Geraldine remained little used for a time before becoming more established in the eighteenth century. In English use, Gerry is an affectionate form of Gerald. The history of Gerald gives this family its wider story. Gerald’s historical bearers include members of the aristocracy.

Combines direct and name-family evidence