Gertrude

Gertrude comes from the Germanic roots 'ger' meaning 'spear' and 'trud' meaning 'strength', giving it a meaning as robust as its sound—'spear of strength'. This name carries a sense of nobility and resilience, evoking images of strength and fortitude. It has a vintage charm that harks back to a time when names carried deep significance and a touch of grandeur.

In terms of popularity, Gertrude has had quite a historical journey. It first entered the top 100 names in 1880 and enjoyed a strong presence, peaking at an impressive #22 in 1906. It maintained a spot in the Top 500 for 76 consecutive years, from 1880 through 1955. More recently, it was ranked #4651 in 2024, a significant shift from its heyday. Interestingly, Gertrude saw a rapid decline in the late 1990s, dropping from #6064 to #10836 in just one year (1997), before making a notable leap of 6882 spots between 1998 and 1999.

Gertrude is a name that exudes a sense of classic strength and timelessness. It brings to mind a person who is both noble and enduring, someone who stands firm with dignity and grace. Despite its decline in popularity, Gertrude remains a name with a rich history and a strong, vintage appeal.