Gertrude Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Gertrude is an Old High German name meaning 'spear strength'. It has evolved through various historical forms, retaining its original meaning. The name is associated with strong traits and has no biblical relevance. It gained popularity in the medieval period, particularly linked to saints and nobility.
The name Gertrude is most popular in Maine, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the G.I. Generation generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Gertrude has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Gertrude' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1748th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 2808th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 7552nd out of 7552 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 40th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 153rd out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 463rd out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1835th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 5576th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 8248th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 4800th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Gertrude' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Gertrude"
Pronunciation
/ˈɡɜːrtrud/
Origin
Old High German
Etymology
The name Gertrude is derived from the Old High German elements 'ger' meaning 'spear' and 'trud' meaning 'strength' or 'maiden'. Therefore, it can be interpreted as 'spear strength'.
Meaning
spear strength
Language Evolution
Geretrudis (Latinized form), Gertrudis (Old High German), Gertrude (Modern English)
Historical Usage
The name Gertrude was popularized in the early medieval period, especially among saints and nobility, and became widely used in various European countries throughout the Middle Ages.
Variants & Derivatives
Gertie, Trudy, Gertraud, Gertrud
Modern Popularity & Image
Gertrude is considered an old-fashioned name, often associated with strong and independent women. Its usage has declined in recent years, but it retains a vintage charm.
Famous People
Gertrude Stein, an American avant-garde writer., Gertrude Bell, a British writer, traveler, and archaeologist., Gertrude Lawrence, a famous English actress and singer.
Explore More Gertrude Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Gertrude"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Gertrude"
"Gertrude" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 1748th of 7545 | 307 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 2808th of 6773 | 134 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 7552nd of 7552 | 5 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 40th of 9107 | 107,315 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 153rd of 9204 | 27,160 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 463rd of 12526 | 7,443 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1835th of 19264 | 800 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 5576th of 27321 | 237 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 8248th of 35406 | 211 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 4800th of 30306 | 339 |
Regional Popularity of "Gertrude" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Gertrude" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
3.25% 46th/1416 |
2.03% 28th/1379 |
2.87% 68th/2366 |
5.95% 68th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
9.64% 149th/1546 |
6.56% 102nd/1556 |
8.03% 189th/2353 |
14.80% 229th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
24.38% 543rd/2227 |
14.24% 346th/2430 |
15.18% 433rd/2853 |
26.13% 725th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
66.29% 1947th/2937 |
38.44% 1339th/3483 |
57.45% 2021st/3518 |
81.80% 3308th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - |
87.41% 5486th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Gertrude"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Gertrude" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.