Jerry

Jerry is an English given name that originated as a short form of Jeremy or Gerald, and occasionally Gerard or Jeremiah. Jeremy derives from the Hebrew Yirmeyahu, meaning "God will raise up" or "appointed by God," while Gerald and Gerard come from the Germanic elements geri, meaning "spear," and wald or hard, meaning "rule" or "brave." The name gained widespread popularity in the twentieth century, particularly in the United States, partly through cultural figures such as comedian Jerry Seinfeld and animator Jerry of the Tom and Jerry franchise. Related forms include Gerry, Jeremy, Gerald, and Jeremiah.