Holding steady.
Popularity of Gerhardt since 1903
Babies named Gerhardt per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 6 |
| 1910s | 252 |
| 1920s | 280 |
| 1930s | 147 |
| 1940s | 90 |
| 1950s | 57 |
| 1960s | 11 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 5 |
| 1990s | 10 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Gerhardt is a distinctly German name with a strong, traditional sound. First recorded in U.S. data in 1903, it saw its peak popularity in 1916 and has since maintained a stable but very low level of usage, never re-entering the top 1000. The name has no recorded top states, indicating its rarity is spread evenly or too sparse to register. As a variant of the more common Gerhard, it carries the same meaning of 'brave with a spear' and shares roots with the English Gerard. Parents drawn to Gerhardt often appreciate its robust, Old World feel, but it will likely remain a rare choice in the United States.
Gerhardt is the German form of Gerard, derived from the Old High German elements 'ger' (spear) and 'hart' (hardy, brave). It has been used in German-speaking countries since the Middle Ages, often favored by Lutheran families. The variant Gerhard is more common in Germany, while Gerhardt has seen some use in English-speaking countries, particularly among families of German heritage.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Gary, Gerd, Hardy
Sibling names for Gerhardt
Names that share Gerhardt's style, for a brother or sister.
