Holding steady.
Popularity of Gerhard since 1882
Babies named Gerhard per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1917, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Gerhard's real moment was 1885.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 56 |
| 1890s | 59 |
| 1900s | 61 |
| 1910s | 415 |
| 1920s | 460 |
| 1930s | 341 |
| 1940s | 206 |
| 1950s | 246 |
| 1960s | 287 |
| 1970s | 114 |
| 1980s | 59 |
| 1990s | 67 |
| 2000s | 29 |
| 2010s | 24 |
| 2020s | 5 |
Meaning & origin
Gerhard is a classic Germanic name that has never achieved widespread popularity in the United States. According to Social Security data, the name first appeared in 1882 and has not ranked in the top 1000 for any year. Its peak usage was in 1885, and it has maintained a stable, low-rate trajectory ever since. The name remains far more common in German-speaking Europe, where it carries centuries of history as a compound of 'ger' (spear) and 'hart' (strong). Despite its rarity in the U.S., Gerhard offers a strong, traditional sound and a clear etymology rooted in warrior virtues.
Gerhard derives from the Old High German elements 'ger' (spear) and 'hart' (hard, strong, brave). It was a common name among medieval German nobility and spread through Scandinavia as Gerhard and into the Netherlands as Geraert. The name has been in continuous use in German-speaking countries for centuries.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Gerri, Gerd, Hardy
Sibling names for Gerhard
Names that share Gerhard's style, for a brother or sister.
