Gertrude

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Gertrude

Gender: Feminine
Language: English
Etymology:
Gertrude is a Germanic name. It originally meant “Spear Strong,” from “ger” (spear) and “trud” (strength).

History:
The Germanic name Gertrude first appeared in England during the early Middle Ages, probably from Dutch and Flemish settlers. Gertrud, the German form, had always been very popular in Germany due two two saints: St. Gertrude of Nivelles (626-659), and St. Gertrude the Great (1256-1302). Gertrude was common during the 16th and 17th centuries and came to popularity again during the late 19th century, but has since faded.

Pronunciation: GERR-trood.

Diminutives:
Danish: Trudel.
English: Gert, Gertie, Trudi, Trudie, Trudy, Gattie, Gatty, Gat.
German (Low): Geerta, Geertke, Geertje.

Alternates: Gertrud, Gertrudis.
Dutch: Gertruida.
Finnish: Kerttu, Kerrttu.
German: Gertraud.
Hawaiian: Kelekuke.
Hungarian: Gertrúd.
Portuguese: Gertrudes.
Spanish: Gertrudis.

Surnames: Gattie.

See also: Gatty.

Famous Bearers:
Artists and Authors:
Gertrudis Gómez de Avellandeda (1814-1873)
Cuban playwright.
Gertrude Jekyll (1843-1932)
English architect.
Gertrude Käsebier (1852-1934)
American photographer.
Gertrude Atherton (1857-1948)
American novelist.
Gertrude Stein (1874-1946)
American writer.
Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney (1875-1942)
American sculptor.
Gertrude Bonnin (1876-1938)
American writer.

Educators, Scholars, and Social Workers:
Gertrude Caton-Thompson (1889-1985)
English archeologist.

Fictional Figures:
Gertrude (1603)
From William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet.

Miscellaneous:
Gertrudis Barcelo (1800-1852)
Mexican-American businesswoman.
Gertrude Bell (1868-1926)
English traveler.
Gertrude Ederle (1906-)
American swimmer.

Religious Figures:
Saint Gertrude of Nivelles (626-659)
Known for her hospitality. Popular in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Saint Gertrude the Great (1256-1302)
Patron of the West Indies.

Scientists:
Gertrude B. Elion (1918-1999)
American biochemist. Co-winner of the 1988 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine.

Singers and Entertainers:
Gertrud Elisabeth Mara (1749-1833)
German soprano.
Gertrude Lawrence (1898-1952)
English singer and actress.
Gertrude Berg (1899-1966)
American actress.

Popularity:
Percentage from the 1990 U.S. Census:
0.103 % named Gertrude
0.021 % named Trudy
0.005 % named Gertie
0.002 % named Gertrud
0.002 % named Trudie
0.002 % named Trudi
0.001 % named Gertrudis

Popularity of Gertrude:
Popularity (for newborns):
In the United States...
1900-1910: 22nd most popular.
1910-1920: 32nd most popular.
1920-1930: 64th most popular.
1930-1940: 146th most popular.
1940-1950: 258th most popular.
1950-1960: 462nd most popular.
1960-1970: 903rd most popular.
1970-2000: N/A

In France...
1900: 93rd most popular.
1910: 133rd most popular.
1918: 171st most popular.
1920-2000: N/A

Popularity of Gertie:
Popularity (for newborns):
In the United States...
1900-1910: 335th most popular.
1910-1920: 506th most popular.
1920-1930: 582nd most popular.
1930-1940: 705th most popular.
1940-2000: N/A

Popularity of Trudy:
Popularity (for newborns):
In the United States...
1900-1930: N/A
1930-1940: 894th most popular.
1940-1950: 305th most popular.
1950-1960: 310th most popular.
1960-1970: 411th most popular.
1970-1980: 645th most popular.
1980-2000: N/A

Popularity of Trudie:
Popularity (for newborns):
In the United States...
1900-1910: 919th most popular.
1910-1920: 981st most popular.
1920-2000: N/A