Gehrig is a name of German origin, derived from the surname Gehrig which is an occupational name for a gardener or someone who lived in a house with a garden. The name comes from the Middle High German word 'gärte', meaning 'garden'.
The name Gehrig has been used as both a first and last name throughout history. One of the most famous people with this name is Babe Ruth, whose real name was George Herman "Babe" Ruth Jr. However, he was often referred to by his middle name, which was inspired by his father's favorite player, German slugger Hans Gehrig.
Throughout history, there have been many notable individuals with the name Gehrig. For instance, Henry Gehrig was a German-American politician who served as Mayor of Milwaukee from 1892 to 1893. Additionally, Ludwig Gehrig was a Swiss businessman and philanthropist who founded the company that would become the pharmaceutical giant Novartis.
In terms of its meaning, Gehrig is thought to represent growth, vitality, and nature due to its association with gardens. However, it's important to note that meanings associated with names can vary depending on cultural and personal interpretations.
Overall, Gehrig is a name with a rich history and an interesting story behind it. While it may not be as commonly used today as some other names, it remains a unique and meaningful choice for parents looking for something different.
The name Gehrig has seen a varied trend in its popularity over the years in the United States. Between 1944 and 2022, there have been a total of 698 births registered with this name.
In the early decades, the number of babies named Gehrig remained relatively low but consistent, with an average of five births per year between 1944 and 1954. The years 1951 and 1952 saw a slight increase to six births each year.
From the late 1980s onwards, there was a significant rise in popularity for the name Gehrig. In 1993, there were nine babies named Gehrig, and this number steadily increased over the following years, peaking at 43 births in 2003.
The peak of popularity for the name Gehrig was between the years 2000 and 2007. During these eight years, an average of 35 babies were named Gehrig each year, with a high of 43 in 2003 and a low of 26 in 2008.
Since 2008, the popularity of the name Gehrig has steadily decreased. In recent years, there have been fewer than ten babies named Gehrig annually, with only nine births recorded in both 2018 and 2022.
Despite the fluctuations in its popularity over time, the name Gehrig remains a unique choice for parents seeking an uncommon yet distinctive name for their child.