Gunnar
Gunnar is a boy's name of Norse origin.
Meaning
Bold warrior or battle army, derived from Old Norse 'gunnr' (war/battle) and 'arr' (warrior).
Origin and history
Gunnar is a masculine name of Old Norse origin, derived from elements meaning 'war' and 'warrior'. It is a prominent name in Norse mythology and Germanic legend, closely associated with the hero Gunnar Harmundarson. In the United States, it has enjoyed steady and moderate usage as a strong, classic Scandinavian name.
Popularity in the United States
18,156 babies in the United States have been named Gunnar since 1880. It ranks #871 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #570.
States where it is most popular
- CA (8.9 %)
- TX (7.8 %)
- WA (5.3 %)
- MN (4.6 %)
- OH (4.5 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 5 |
| 1900-1910 | 12 |
| 1910-1920 | 159 |
| 1920-1930 | 138 |
| 1930-1940 | 109 |
| 1940-1950 | 102 |
| 1950-1960 | 182 |
| 1960-1970 | 217 |
| 1970-1980 | 234 |
| 1980-1990 | 294 |
| 1990-2000 | 2,766 |
| 2000-2010 | 4,268 |
| 2010-2019 | 6,681 |
| 2020-2029 | 2,989 |
Famous people named Gunnar
- Gunnar Nelson: mixed martial artist
- Gunnar Hansen: actor, author
Fun facts
- Gunnar is a famous figure in the Völsunga saga and the Nibelungenlied.
- The name combines the ancient Germanic roots for battle and soldier.