Gertrude Girl
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)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
CA | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1880 | 787 |
1881 | 791 |
1882 | 939 |
1883 | 923 |
1884 | 1,063 |
1885 | 1,086 |
1886 | 1,249 |
1887 | 1,251 |
1888 | 1,468 |
1889 | 1,543 |
1890 | 1,713 |
1891 | 1,645 |
1892 | 1,924 |
1893 | 1,811 |
1894 | 1,908 |
1895 | 2,129 |
1896 | 2,221 |
1897 | 2,135 |
1898 | 2,302 |
1899 | 2,110 |
1900 | 2,580 |
1901 | 1,964 |
1902 | 2,207 |
1903 | 2,253 |
1904 | 2,269 |
1905 | 2,276 |
1906 | 2,375 |
1907 | 2,499 |
1908 | 2,562 |
1909 | 2,622 |
1910 | 2,932 |
1911 | 2,895 |
1912 | 3,887 |
1913 | 4,015 |
1914 | 4,938 |
1915 | 6,077 |
1916 | 6,243 |
1917 | 6,300 |
1918 | 6,264 |
1919 | 6,014 |
1920 | 5,797 |
1921 | 5,349 |
1922 | 5,082 |
1923 | 4,700 |
1924 | 4,543 |
1925 | 3,892 |
1926 | 3,852 |
1927 | 3,508 |
1928 | 3,011 |
1929 | 2,725 |
1930 | 2,555 |
1931 | 2,094 |
1932 | 1,968 |
1933 | 1,619 |
1934 | 1,582 |
1935 | 1,425 |
1936 | 1,316 |
1937 | 1,319 |
1938 | 1,167 |
1939 | 1,092 |
1940 | 1,014 |
1941 | 997 |
1942 | 932 |
1943 | 867 |
1944 | 813 |
1945 | 664 |
1946 | 639 |
1947 | 702 |
1948 | 651 |
1949 | 657 |
1950 | 613 |
1951 | 558 |
1952 | 476 |
1953 | 422 |
1954 | 393 |
1955 | 371 |
1956 | 340 |
1957 | 300 |
1958 | 243 |
1959 | 220 |
1960 | 211 |
1961 | 173 |
1962 | 152 |
1963 | 169 |
1964 | 153 |
1965 | 112 |
1966 | 98 |
1967 | 71 |
1968 | 58 |
1969 | 53 |
1970 | 54 |
1971 | 55 |
1972 | 55 |
1973 | 55 |
1974 | 39 |
1975 | 43 |
1976 | 21 |
1977 | 20 |
1978 | 19 |
1979 | 19 |
1980 | 28 |
1981 | 22 |
1982 | 24 |
1983 | 21 |
1984 | 16 |
1985 | 14 |
1986 | 13 |
1987 | 11 |
1988 | 22 |
1989 | 17 |
1990 | 9 |
1991 | 14 |
1992 | 9 |
1993 | 8 |
1994 | 13 |
1995 | 9 |
1996 | 15 |
1997 | 7 |
1998 | 5 |
1999 | 13 |
2000 | 17 |
2001 | 10 |
2002 | 11 |
2003 | 9 |
2004 | 17 |
2005 | 14 |
2006 | 15 |
2007 | 18 |
2008 | 16 |
2009 | 8 |
2010 | 17 |
2011 | 17 |
2012 | 17 |
2013 | 18 |
2014 | 20 |
2015 | 26 |
2016 | 36 |
2017 | 26 |
2018 | 25 |
2019 | 34 |
2020 | 32 |
2021 | 30 |
2022 | 32 |
2023 | 31 |
2024 | 29 |