Pronunciation: [d͡ʒˈɛɹə͡ld fˈɔːd] (IPA) 
The spelling of "Gerald Ford" is not difficult to remember once you break down the pronunciation with IPA phonetic transcription. The first name, "Gerald," is spelled as /ˈdʒɛrəld/ with stress on the first syllable. The last name, "Ford," is spelled as /fɔːrd/ with stress on the first syllable. The "o" is pronounced as a long "o" sound, like in "or." This makes the full name easy to spell: G-e-r-a-l-d F-o-r-d.
Gerald Ford was the 38th President of the United States, governing from 1974 to 1977. Born as Leslie Lynch King Jr. in Omaha, Nebraska in 1913, he later changed his name to Gerald Rudolph Ford Jr. after his mother got remarried. Ford is best-known for becoming President after the resignation of Richard Nixon, making him the only person in U.S. history to hold the office without being elected as President or Vice President.
Before becoming President, Ford had a long political career. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives for Michigan's 5th congressional district from 1949 to 1973. During his time in Congress, Ford was known for his moderate conservative ideology and his ability to work across party lines. He served as the Minority Leader from 1965 to 1973, gaining a reputation for his integrity and strong leadership skills.
Ford faced many challenges during his presidency, including a struggling economy and the aftermath of the Watergate scandal that had led to the resignation of his predecessor. He worked towards stabilizing the nation both domestically and internationally. Ford's notable decisions include granting a presidential pardon to Richard Nixon, his efforts to combat inflation, and his focus on detente with the Soviet Union.
After leaving office, Gerald Ford remained active in public life, participating in various humanitarian and philanthropic activities. He passed away on December 26, 2006, at the age of 93, leaving behind a legacy of leading the country through a difficult period with integrity, pragmatism, and a commitment to healing the nation's wounds.
The word "Gerald Ford" does not have an etymology since it is a proper noun referring to the 38th President of the United States, Gerald R. Ford. However, the name "Gerald" originates from Germanic roots, derived from the Old High German name "Gerwald", which means "ruler with a spear". The surname "Ford" is an English occupational name given to someone who lived near a ford, which is a shallow point in a river or stream where it can be crossed by wading or with the help of a vehicle.
