Conrad is a male given name of German origin, derived from the Germanic elements "kuoni" meaning "brave" or "bold", and "rad" meaning "counsel" or "advice". The name was popular among the Merovingian kings of the Franks, with several monarchs bearing the name Conrad. One of the most notable figures in history associated with this name is Conrad I, who was a duke of Lorraine and later became king of Italy in the 10th century.
The name Conrad began to be used more widely throughout Europe during the Middle Ages due to the influence of the Holy Roman Empire, which had several emperors named Conrad. In English-speaking countries, the name gained popularity during the Victorian era, likely due to its use by authors such as Lord Byron and Charles Dickens in their works.
Today, Conrad is still a popular choice for parents looking for a strong, distinctive name with a rich history. It has also been used as a surname in many parts of Europe. Some variations of the name include Konrad, Konradin, Konrath, and Kunrat. In some languages, such as Spanish and Italian, the name may be spelled Conradino or Conradone.
Overall, Conrad is a classic, timeless name with a powerful meaning that has been worn by royalty throughout history. Its unique sound and strong association with bravery make it an attractive choice for parents seeking a memorable name for their child.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Conrad experienced a significant increase in popularity during the late 19th to mid-20th century, with a peak in the 1920s and early 1930s. The highest number of births recorded for the name Conrad was in 1931, with 584 births. However, starting from the late 1960s onwards, there has been a consistent decline in the popularity of the name Conrad, reaching its lowest point in recent years (2022) with only 547 births recorded. Despite this decrease, it seems that the name Conrad still maintains some level of popularity today compared to its lowest points during the late 19th century.