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

Nickname For: Gerald

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

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

Nickname For: Geraldine

Popularity: The name Gerri ranked 1441st 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.''