Gunnar
Gunnar first appears in US records in 1893. It peaked in 2015, when 825 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 462.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Gunnar popular?
Steady Gunnar has held fairly steady over the past decade, after peaking in 2015.
| 2020s | 2,989 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 6,681 | |
| 2000s | 4,268 | |
| 1990s | 2,766 | |
| 1980s | 294 | |
| 1970s | 234 | |
| 1960s | 217 | |
| 1950s | 182 | |
| 1940s | 102 | |
| 1930s | 109 | |
| 1920s | 138 | |
| 1910s | 159 | |
| 1900s | 12 | |
| 1890s | 5 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Gunnar mean?
Gunnar joins the Old Norse for “war” and “warrior.”
Names like Gunnar
Norse names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Gunnar
Popular Norse names for a sibling or a middle name.
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Gunnar mean?
Gunnar means Bold warrior. Gunnar joins the Old Norse for “war” and “warrior.”
What is the origin of the name Gunnar?
Gunnar is of Norse origin.
How do you pronounce Gunnar?
Gunnar is pronounced “GOON-ar.”
Is Gunnar a boy or a girl name?
Gunnar is most commonly used as a boy name.
Is Gunnar a popular name right now?
Gunnar has held fairly steady over the past decade, after peaking in 2015.
How popular is the name Gunnar?
In 2025, Gunnar ranked #612 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Gunnar most popular?
Gunnar was most popular in 2015, when about 825 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What names are similar to Gunnar?
Names similar to Gunnar include Odin, Magnus, Bjorn, Leif, Ivar.
What names go well with Gunnar?
Norse names that pair well with Gunnar include Erik, Freya, Odin, Astrid, Ingrid.