What does Gertrude mean and where does it come from?
Gertrude originates from the Germanic elements 'ger', meaning 'spear', and 'trud', meaning 'strength'. The name has been popular in various forms throughout history and has been borne by several saints, including St. Gertrude of Nivelles, a 7th-century abbess. While the name was very popular in the
Cultural significance
Gertrude has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of spear of strength.
Peak popularity
Reached #22 in 1906 — currently #1176 in the US.
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Related Reading
Germanic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Gertrude?
Gertrude works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Gertrude Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Gertrude Rose
Floral · soft ending
Gertrude Mae
Sweet · timeless
Gertrude Claire
French influence · crisp
Gertrude Jane
Literary · strong
Gertrude Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Gertrude right now?
Holding steady — currently #1176 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1176 | 1,024 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1181 | 1,004 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1186 | 974 | ▲ up 3041 · +2944% births |
| 2020 | #4227 | 32 | ▲ up 889 · +23% births |
| 2015 | #5116 | 26 | ▲ up 2097 · +53% births |
| 2010 | #7213 | 17 | ▲ up 672 · +21% births |
| 2005 | #7885 | 14 | ▼ down 1680 · -18% births |
| 2000 | #6205 | 17 | ▲ up 2562 · +89% births |
| 1995 | #8767 | 9 | ▼ down 269 |
| 1990 | #8498 | 9 | ▼ down 3423 · -36% births |
| 1985 | #5075 | 14 | ▼ down 1939 · -48% births |
| 1980 | #3136 | 27 | ▼ down 1115 · -37% births |
| 1975 | #2021 | 43 | ▼ down 315 · -20% births |
| 1970 | #1706 | 54 | ▼ down 733 · -52% births |
| 1965 | #973 | 112 | — |
The story of Gertrude
Gertrude has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #22 in 1906. More than 177,519 babies have been named Gertrude since 1880. Once ranked #25 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1176 in 2023. Gertrude is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Gertrude in 1906:
Gertrude by decade
Gertrude peaked in the 1900s. See all 1900s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 11,132 | |
| 1890s | 19,981 | |
| 1900s | 23,683 | |
| 1910s ★ | 49,701 | |
| 1920s | 42,588 | |
| 1930s | 16,237 | |
| 1940s | 7,945 | |
| 1950s | 3,933 | |
| 1960s | 1,252 | |
| 1970s | 380 | |
| 1980s | 186 | |
| 1990s | 102 | |
| 2000s | 134 | |
| 2010s | 233 | |
| 2020s | 32 | |
What are good nicknames for Gertrude?
DUTCH
GeertjeGertieTrudieTrudyTruus
ENGLISH
GertieTrudiTrudieTrudy
Famous people named Gertrude
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Gertrude (Germanic saint)
Gertrude spread this name through the Germanic missionary tradition of early Christianity.
G(
Gertrude (medieval German ruler)
Gertrude bore this name during the Holy Roman Empire, spreading Germanic naming traditions across Europe.
G(
Gertrude (Scandinavian royal)
Gertrude held this name in the Nordic royal courts, giving it aristocratic prestige across Northern Europe.
G(
Gertrude (Germanic saint)
Gertrude spread this name through the Germanic missionary tradition of early Christianity.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Gertrude?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Gertrude also consider these
How is Gertrude written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Gertrude
What does the name Gertrude mean?
Gertrude means "Spear of strength" — a name rooted in Germanic tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Gertrude?
Gertrude is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Gertrude?
Gertrude originates from Germanic tradition. Germanic names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Gertrude?
Gertrude is a two-syllable name pronounced G ER1 T R UW0 D. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Gertrude a common or rare name?
Gertrude is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.