Gudrun is a feminine given name of Old Norse origin, derived from the elements 'guth' meaning 'god' and 'hrynn' meaning 'roar'. It was popular among the Norsemen during the Viking Age and is often associated with Norse mythology. The name Gudrun appears in various Old Norse poems and sagas, including the Volsunga Saga, where it is borne by a heroine who plays a significant role in the story of Sigurd the Dragon Slayer. In modern times, Gudrun has been more commonly used in German-speaking countries but remains relatively rare elsewhere. It may also be spelled as Guðrún or Güðrun, reflecting its Old Norse origins and Icelandic usage.
The name Gudrun experienced varying popularity throughout the period of 1895 to 1972, with peaks in usage occurring around significant historical events such as World War I and II. The highest number of births recorded for this name was in 1915, coinciding with the height of WWI, suggesting a potential naming trend towards Gudrun during times of conflict or upheaval. However, it's important to note that these statistics do not account for possible underreporting of births due to factors like mobility or illegitimacy during such periods. Overall, Gudrun appears to have been a relatively uncommon name throughout most of this timeframe, with fewer than 10 births per year being the norm after its initial peak in popularity around the turn of the century.