boy name · Norse origin
Gunnar
/ GOON-ar /
Meaning
Gunnar means Bold warrior (Norse).
Gender
Boy
Origin
Norse
Pronunciation
GOON-ar
Popularity
#612 · U.S. boys (2025)
Popularity of Gunnar in the US, 1880–2025
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.
What does Gunnar mean?
Gunnar joins the Old Norse for “war” and “warrior.”
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.
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.