MallowbyNames

Gertude

GUR-tood · Of uncertain origin, possibly derived from the Germanic elements 'ger' meaning 'spear' and 'trud' meaning 'strength', thus 'spear strength'.

Peak popularity
1885
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Gertude since 1885

Babies named Gertude per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1917, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Gertude's real moment was 1885.

61117192019602000Most births 1917Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1880s10
1890s30
1900s41
1910s83
1920s73
1930s41
1940s0
1950s0
1960s0
1970s0
1980s0
1990s0
2000s0
2010s0
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Gertrude is a classic Germanic name that enjoyed its heyday in the late 19th century. First recorded in 1885, it peaked that same year, reflecting its brief but notable popularity. The name has steadily declined and is rarely given to modern babies. Despite its decline, Gertrude retains a vintage charm and is associated with notable figures such as Saint Gertrude the Great and author Gertrude Stein. While the name has no current ranking data due to infrequent use, its historical peak in 1885 places it firmly in the Victorian era.

The name Gertrude is of Germanic origin, composed of the elements 'ger' (spear) and 'trud' (strength). It was introduced to England by the Normans and became popular in medieval times. The name has been borne by several saints, including Saint Gertrude the Great, a 13th-century Benedictine nun and mystic.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Gertie, Trudy, Gerta

Variants: Gertrude, Gertraud, Gertruda

Sibling names for Gertude

Names that share Gertude's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

G is for Gertude, our favorite little girl.

G is for Gertude…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Gertude's letter becomes Gertude's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Gertude's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Gertrude mean?
The name is thought to mean 'spear strength' from Germanic elements 'ger' (spear) and 'trud' (strength), though its exact origin is uncertain.
How popular is the name Gertrude?
Gertrude was most popular in the 1880s, peaking in 1885. It is now rarely used and does not appear in recent rankings.
Is Gertrude a boy or girl name?
Gertrude is almost exclusively a girl's name.