Gertrude
Gertrude first appears in US records in 0. It peaked in 1917, when 6,300 girls were given the name.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Gertrude popular?
Vintage Gertrude is rarely given today, but saw real use in the past — it peaked back in 1917.
| 2020s | 171 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 236 | |
| 2000s | 135 | |
| 1990s | 102 | |
| 1980s | 188 | |
| 1970s | 380 | |
| 1960s | 1,250 | |
| 1950s | 3,936 | |
| 1940s | 7,936 | |
| 1930s | 16,137 | |
| 1920s | 42,459 | |
| 1910s | 49,565 | |
| 1900s | 23,607 | |
| 1890s | 19,898 | |
| 1880s | 11,100 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Gertrude mean?
From Germanic 'ger' (spear) and 'thrud' (strength), so 'strong spear'. The 'spear' element is a weapon of war rather than 'warrior' outright, but the martial sense is well established.
Names like Gertrude
germanic names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Gertrude
Popular germanic names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Gertrude
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Gertrude mean?
Gertrude means Spear of strength. From Germanic 'ger' (spear) and 'thrud' (strength), so 'strong spear'. The 'spear' element is a weapon of war rather than 'warrior' outright, but the martial sense is well established.
What is the origin of the name Gertrude?
Gertrude is of germanic origin.
How do you pronounce Gertrude?
Gertrude is pronounced “GUR-trood.”
Is Gertrude a boy or a girl name?
Gertrude is most commonly used as a girl name.
Is Gertrude a popular name right now?
Gertrude is rarely given today, but saw real use in the past — it peaked back in 1917.
How popular is the name Gertrude?
In 2025, Gertrude ranked #6632 among girls’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Gertrude most popular?
Gertrude was most popular in 1917, when about 6,300 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What names are similar to Gertrude?
Names similar to Gertrude include Adeline, Emery, Ella, Hilda, Matilda.
What names go well with Gertrude?
germanic names that pair well with Gertrude include Robert, William, Charles, Emma, Walter.