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Gertrude Girl

Popularity: #921 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationGUR-trood / /ˈɡɜːr.truːd/

German; Dutch

Meaning

German: spear strength; Dutch: strength of a spear

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Gertrude has its roots in the Old High German name "Geretrudis," which is composed of the elements "geri" meaning "spear" and "thrud" meaning "strength" or "force." This name was adapted into Latin as "Gertrudis" and subsequently made its way into various forms in the Romance languages. The transition into English occurred through the influence of Norman French after the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century, where it was rendered as "Gertrude." The name has been used in various forms across Europe, reflecting its Germanic origins and the linguistic shifts that occurred over centuries.

Historically, Gertrude has been borne by several notable figures, including Saint Gertrude of Nivelles, a 7th-century abbess in what is now Belgium, who became a prominent figure in Christian hagiography. Her feast day is celebrated on March 17, and she is often invoked for protection against rats and mice, which has contributed to the name's enduring presence in Christian contexts. Additionally, the name appears in various medieval texts and was popularized in literature, notably in the works of Shakespeare, where it appears in "Hamlet" as the name of the queen, Gertrude, mother of Prince Hamlet.

Culturally, Gertrude has been associated with strength and resilience, reflecting its etymological roots. The name has also been linked to various traditions and folklore, particularly in German-speaking regions, where it has been celebrated in songs and stories. The diminutive form "Trudy" emerged as a familiar variant, further embedding the name in cultural contexts. Overall, Gertrude's historical significance and linguistic evolution illustrate its deep roots in European history and culture.

Trend Summary

Gertrude has seen a decline in popularity in the United States, particularly since the mid-20th century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Gertie
  • Trudy

International Variants

  • Gertrudis (Spanish)
  • Gertrude (French)
  • Gertie (English)

Famous people named Gertrude

Gertrude Stein was an author and art collector best known for Three Lives, Tender Buttons, and The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas.

Gertrude Bell was a writer and archaeologist best known for her explorations in the Middle East and her role in the establishment of modern Iraq.

Fictional characters named Gertrude

Gertrude is a fictional character from William Shakespeare's play Hamlet. She is the Queen of Denmark and the mother of the protagonist, Hamlet, playing a crucial role in the unfolding tragedy.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Gertrude was first seen in the United States in 1880. Gertrude has ranked as high as #63 nationally, which occurred in 1917, and has been most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Illinois, and Michigan. In the past 5 years the name Gertrude has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Gertrude (2020)

StateBirthsShare
CA 5
100%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
1880787
1881791
1882939
1883923
18841,063
18851,086
18861,249
18871,251
18881,468
18891,543
18901,713
18911,645
18921,924
18931,811
18941,908
18952,129
18962,221
18972,135
18982,302
18992,110
19002,580
19011,964
19022,207
19032,253
19042,269
19052,276
19062,375
19072,499
19082,562
19092,622
19102,932
19112,895
19123,887
19134,015
19144,938
19156,077
19166,243
19176,300
19186,264
19196,014
19205,797
19215,349
19225,082
19234,700
19244,543
19253,892
19263,852
19273,508
19283,011
19292,725
19302,555
19312,094
19321,968
19331,619
19341,582
19351,425
19361,316
19371,319
19381,167
19391,092
19401,014
1941997
1942932
1943867
1944813
1945664
1946639
1947702
1948651
1949657
1950613
1951558
1952476
1953422
1954393
1955371
1956340
1957300
1958243
1959220
1960211
1961173
1962152
1963169
1964153
1965112
196698
196771
196858
196953
197054
197155
197255
197355
197439
197543
197621
197720
197819
197919
198028
198122
198224
198321
198416
198514
198613
198711
198822
198917
19909
199114
19929
19938
199413
19959
199615
19977
19985
199913
200017
200110
200211
20039
200417
200514
200615
200718
200816
20098
201017
201117
201217
201318
201420
201526
201636
201726
201825
201934
202032
202130
202232
202331
202429