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?
From Old Norse Gunnarr, built on 'gunnr' (war, battle) plus a second element usually read as 'arr/herr' (warrior, army), hence 'warrior in battle'. The modern Gunner is a related spelling.
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Frequently asked questions
What does the name Gunnar mean?
Gunnar means Battle-warrior. From Old Norse Gunnarr, built on 'gunnr' (war, battle) plus a second element usually read as 'arr/herr' (warrior, army), hence 'warrior in battle'. The modern Gunner is a related spelling.
What is the origin of the name Gunnar?
Gunnar is of old 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.