Gertrude
Meaning of Gertrude
The name Gertrude is of German origin, derived from the Germanic elements "ger" meaning "spear" and "þrūð" meaning "strength." Pronounced as GUR-trood (/ˈgər.trud/), this classic name signifies a strong and formidable character. Historically, Gertrude was a popular choice in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, peaking in popularity during the 1920s. Despite its decline in recent decades, it has maintained a consistent presence with occasional usage. The name is often affectionately shortened to variations such as Trudy or Gertie. Notable associations include Saint Gertrude the Great, a 13th-century mystic and theologian, which adds a layer of historical and religious significance to the name. While it may not be among the top choices for modern parents, its rich history and unique sound continue to make it an intriguing option for those seeking a distinctive name with deep roots.
Pronunciation
English
- Pronunced as GUR-trood (/ˈgər.trud/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Gertrude
| Gertrude Stein was an influential American writer and art collector known for hosting a famous Paris salon frequented by leading modernist figures. |
| Gertrude Bell - Gertrude Margaret Lowthian Bell was an influential English writer, traveller, and political officer known for her extensive exploration and mapping of the Middle East, as well as her significant role in British imperial policy-making as an Arabist. |
| Gertrude Lawrence was a renowned English actress, singer, and dancer known for her performances in London's West End and on Broadway in New York. |
| Gertrude of Nivelles was a seventh-century abbess who co-founded the Abbey of Nivelles in Belgium with her mother Itta. |
| Gertrude Atherton - Gertrude Franklin Horn Atherton was a prolific American writer known for her novels set in California, including the bestselling Black Oxen, which was adapted into a silent movie. |
| Gertrude Weil was an American social activist known for her involvement in progressive causes such as women's suffrage, labor reform, and civil rights. |
| Gertrude Charlotte Moakley was an American librarian and Tarot scholar known for her significant account of the iconography of Tarot and her work at the New York Public Library. |
| Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney was an influential American sculptor, art patron, and founder of the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City, known for her prominent social status and contributions to the art world. |
| Gertrude Käsebier was an American photographer celebrated for her motherhood images, portraits of Native Americans, and advocacy for women in photography. |
| Gertrude the Great was a German Benedictine nun and mystic, recognized as a saint by the Catholic Church and celebrated on November 16 in the Roman Rite. |
| Gertrude Hall, also known as Gertrude Hall Brownell, was a prolific American writer and translator who also anthologized her second husband's work and wrote a memoir about their life together. |
| Gertrude Torkornoo - Lady Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo is a Ghanaian judge who was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2019 and became the Chief Justice of Ghana in 2023. |
| Gertrude B. Elion - Gertrude "Trudy" Belle Elion was an American biochemist and pharmacologist, known for her groundbreaking work in rational drug design, which led to the development of drugs like AZT for AIDS and azathioprine for organ transplants. |
| Gertrude Caroline Ederle was an American competition swimmer, Olympic champion, and world record-holder who became the first woman to swim across the English Channel in 1926. |
| Gertrude Bass Warner was a pioneering American art collector and curator known for her extensive collection of Asian art and her role in promoting Asian culture and multiculturalism. |
