Gearalt

Gearalt is the Irish Gaelic form of Gerald, itself derived from the Old High German name Gerwald, composed of the elements ger, meaning spear, and wald, meaning rule. The name was brought to Ireland by the Normans after the twelfth-century invasion and was borne notably by the powerful Fitzgerald dynasty, Earls of Kildare, whose prominence helped establish the name in Irish culture. The anglicised form Gerald remains the more commonly used version in Ireland today, while Gearóid is the more widespread Irish Gaelic equivalent.