Gérard is a common French given name, often used for males. It has roots in the Germanic elements "ger," meaning spear, and "hard," meaning brave or strong. The name has been popular in various cultures and can be found in different forms across Europe. In addition to being a name, Gérard is also associated with notable figures, such as Gérard Depardieu, a famous French actor known for his roles in films like Green Card and Cyrano de Bergerac. The name is often linked to qualities of strength and courage, reflecting its etymological origins.