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.
The name Conrad has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. According to data from the Social Security Administration, there were only 25 births with the name Conrad in 1899, but this number increased to 462 births in 2016 and 548 births in 2021.
The trend of increasing popularity for the name Conrad can be observed over a longer period as well. In the early 20th century, there were fewer than 100 births with the name Conrad each year. However, starting in the 1970s and accelerating in the 1980s and 1990s, the number of births with the name Conrad began to rise steadily.
One notable spike in popularity occurred between 2014 and 2016, during which time the number of births with the name Conrad increased from 406 to 462. This trend has continued into the 2020s, with 548 births in 2021 alone.
Overall, the name Conrad has been given to a total of 37,851 babies in the United States since records began being kept in 1880. While it may not be one of the most popular names on the list, its consistent growth in popularity over time indicates that many parents continue to choose this name for their children.
It is worth noting that these statistics only reflect births registered with the Social Security Administration and may not include all births in the United States during this time period. Nonetheless, they provide valuable insight into the changing popularity of the name Conrad over the past century and a half.