Declining since 2015, #612 for boys today.
Popularity of Gunnar since 1893
Babies named Gunnar per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 5 |
| 1900s | 12 |
| 1910s | 159 |
| 1920s | 138 |
| 1930s | 109 |
| 1940s | 102 |
| 1950s | 182 |
| 1960s | 217 |
| 1970s | 234 |
| 1980s | 294 |
| 1990s | 2,766 |
| 2000s | 4,268 |
| 2010s | 6,681 |
| 2020s | 2,989 |
Meaning & origin
Gunnar first appeared on the U.S. baby-name charts in 1893, but it remained rare for decades. Its popularity surged in the 1990s and peaked in 2015, when it reached its highest rank. Since then, its usage has been declining, though it remains a recognizable choice. The name is particularly common in West Virginia, New Hampshire, and Maryland, where it ranks higher than the national average. With a strong Norse heritage and a concise, rugged sound, Gunnar appeals to parents seeking a name that is both traditional and distinctive, without being overly trendy.
Gunnar is derived from the Old Norse name Gunnarr, a compound of gunnr (battle) and harjaR (warrior). It is the Norse cognate of the Germanic name Gunther. The name is closely tied to Viking Age culture, borne by legendary figures such as Gunnar Hámundarson, a hero of the Icelandic Njáls saga. It was reintroduced to English-speaking countries via Scandinavian immigrants in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Where Gunnar is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Gunny, Gus
Variants: Gunner, Günter
Sibling names for Gunnar
Names that share Gunnar's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Ingrid, Astrid, Soren, Karin, Freya, Hilda, Hulda, Dagmar, Helga, Edda, Gerda, Gudrun, Ingeborg, Borghild, Gunda, Valborg
Brothers: Lars, Erik, Bjorn, Sven, Magnus, Colton, Arvid, Rolf, Verner, Waldemar, Bertil, Helmer, Hilmer, Ragnar, Sigurd, Hilding, Hjalmer, Holger, Thorsten, Hilmar, Hjalmar, Olof
Names like Gunnar
Names whose popularity has moved with Gunnar's over the last 50 years.
