Meaning: Its source is an English expression meaning "Exalted or holy."

Nickname For: Gerald and Gerard

Alternative Spellings: Jerry

Popularity: The name Gerry ranked 649th in popularity for males of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census.

Though this name appears on the 1990 U.S. Census lists, it is used by only a small percentage of the general population.

Narrative: It is derived from a number of names beginning with ''Jer-'' -- most notably, Jerome and Jeremiah. By coincidence, the first element of both these names means ''Exalted'' or ''Holy,'' though Jerome is derived from Greek and Jeremiah from Hebrew.

Another source is Gerald; that name's Germanic-derived first element means ''Spear.''

Meaning: Its source is gar wald, an Ancient Germanic name meaning "Ruling spear."

Origin: "gar wald."

Nickname For: Geraldine

Popularity: The name Gerry ranked 1343rd in popularity for females of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census.

Though this name has fluctuated in use, it has been quietly present throughout the last century.

Narrative: Other possible interpretations include ''expert spearman,'' ''spear of the ruler,'' and the equivalent of the contemporary expression ''straight shooter.''