Gerard
Gender: Masculine
Usage: English, Dutch
Pronounced: je-RAHRD [key]
Derived from the Germanic element ger "spear" combined with hard "brave, hardy". The Normans introduced this name to Britain.
from behindthename.com
NOT Gerald (which, btw, means 'rule of the spear').
And most definitely NOT - thanks for nothing, OCBC - Gernard.
It matters not that I write it in CAPS.
Or even that it's printed out.
Or that it's read straight from my IC.
This has been happening as far back as I can remember.
Why, oh why, does everyone insist on mangling my middle name?
Do they want me to bear testament to its meaning?
Right now, I'm feeling quite obliging in that respect.
