Gertrude is a feminine given name of Germanic origin, derived from the Old German words "ger," meaning "spear," and "trud," meaning "strength" or "war." The name Gertrude has been popular throughout history, particularly in medieval Europe, where it was often borne by royalty and nobility.
The name Gertrude first appears in historical records in the 6th century AD, when it was borne by Saint Gertrude of Nivelles, a Belgian nun who is considered the patron saint of travel, travelers, and cats. Despite its initial popularity, the name Gertrude fell out of fashion for several centuries, only to experience a resurgence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
In literature, Gertrude is perhaps best known as the name of Hamlet's mother in William Shakespeare's tragedy "Hamlet." In this play, Gertrude is portrayed as a vulnerable and conflicted figure, caught between her duty as a queen and her desire to maintain peace within her royal household. This portrayal has contributed to the name Gertrude being associated with complexity and depth of character.
Throughout history, notable figures bearing the name Gertrude have included Gertrude Bell (1868-1926), an English explorer, writer, archaeologist, and spy who played a major role in establishing the modern state of Iraq; and Gertrude Stein (1874-1946), an American expatriate writer and art collector known for her experimental writing style and her influential salons during the early 20th century.
Today, Gertrude is still considered a classic name with a rich history and a strong meaning. While it may not be as popular as it once was, it remains a distinctive and elegant choice for parents seeking a name that combines tradition with uniqueness.
These statistics show a significant decline in the popularity of the name Gertrude over time. The name reached its peak in popularity between 1914 and 1916, with over 6,000 births each year during that period. However, by the late 1920s and early 1930s, the number of babies named Gertrude began to drop significantly, falling below 1,000 births per year starting in 1935.
In recent years, the name Gertrude has become quite rare, with fewer than 50 babies being given that name each year since the late 1960s. Between 2014 and 2022, there were a total of 178 births named Gertrude, indicating that this once-popular name has now largely fallen out of fashion.
Overall, these statistics illustrate how names can rise and fall in popularity over time, with Gertrude experiencing a particularly dramatic decline in usage over the course of the past century.