Gunnar Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated July 9, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Gunnar Name Meaning

Fact: Gunnar is a relatively new name to American boys, appearing in 1991.

Continue Reading…
A Deep Dive

Gunnar Overview

Meaning

Warrior, fighter, battle

Gender

Boy

Origin

Norse

Etymology

Derived from the Old Norse name Gunnarr, which combines “gunnr” (war) and “arr”.

Pronunciation

/ˈɡʌnər/

Popularity

Gunnar is popular in Scandinavian countries and has been steadily gaining popularity in the USA. In 2023, it ranked #594 for boys in the USA.

Syllable

2 syllables

Length

6 letters

Numerology

3 (Expressive, Social, Artistic)

Name Styles

Traditional, Cool, Edgy

Associated Traits

Strong, brave, charismatic, determined

Name Day

January 9th
A Deep Dive

Gunnar Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Gunner, Gunther, Gunar, Gunnerus, Gunnarr

Common Nicknames

Gunny, G-Man, Gun, G, Gunnie

Diminutives

Gunny, G-Man

Famous People

  • Gunnar Nordahl
    (Swedish Soccer Player)
  • Gunnar Hansen
    (Icelandic-American Actor)
  • Gunnar Bentz
    (American Swimmer)
  • Gunnar Möller
    (German Actor)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • Gunnar Jensen
    ("The Expendables," Film Series)
  • Gunnar
    ("Beowulf," Film)
  • Gunnar Stahl
    ("D2: The Mighty Ducks," Film)
  • Gunnar
    ("Gunnar's Daughter," Novel)
  • Gunnar
    ("Heavy Metal," Animated Film)

What Is the Meaning of Gunnar?

Gunnar means “warrior” or “fighter,” highlighting a person with strength and determination.

What Is the Origin of The Name Gunnar?

The name Gunnar has its origins in Norse culture, derived from the Old Norse name “Gunnarr,” which combines “gunnr” (war) and “arr” (warrior).

Gunnar Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Gunnar in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#5412021#5902022#5942023
Top 3 Rankings#3822014#3872015#3962013

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Gunnar

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
2023594
(-4 from 2022)
475
(-8 from 2022)
0.02594
2022590
(-49 from 2021)
483
(-61 from 2021)
0.02579
2021541
(-16 from 2020)
544
(+2 from 2020)
0.02903
2020525
(-27 from 2019)
542
(-33 from 2019)
0.02930
2019498
(-31 from 2018)
575
(-46 from 2018)
0.02992
2018467
(-28 from 2017)
621
(-86 from 2017)
0.03195
2017439
(-39 from 2016)
707
(-91 from 2016)
0.03572
2016400
(-13 from 2015)
798
(-27 from 2015)
0.03940
2015387
(-5 from 2014)
825
(+10 from 2014)
0.04035
2014382
(+14 from 2013)
815
(+57 from 2013)
0.03977
2013396
(+54 from 2012)
758
(+155 from 2012)
0.03751
2012450
(+49 from 2011)
603
(+83 from 2011)
0.02972
2011499
(+53 from 2010)
520
(+63 from 2010)
0.02560
2010552
(-2 from 2009)
457
(-23 from 2009)
0.02224
2009550
(-10 from 2008)
480
(-8 from 2008)
0.02263
2008540
(+13 from 2007)
488
(+24 from 2007)
0.02238
2007553
(-46 from 2006)
464
(-48 from 2006)
0.02095
2006507
(+32 from 2005)
512
(+62 from 2005)
0.02335
2005539
(+35 from 2004)
450
(+56 from 2004)
0.02115
2004574
(+12 from 2003)
394
(+21 from 2003)
0.01864
2003586
(-28 from 2002)
373
(-25 from 2002)
0.01775
2002558
(+18 from 2001)
398
(+41 from 2001)
0.01926
2001576
(-2 from 2000)
357
(+5 from 2000)
0.01726
2000574
(-27 from 1999)
352
(-18 from 1999)
0.01686
1999547
(-36 from 1998)
370
(-42 from 1998)
0.01815
1998511
(+44 from 1997)
412
(+65 from 1997)
0.02032
1997555
(-2 from 1996)
347
(+10 from 1996)
0.01737
1996553
(+21 from 1995)
337
(+20 from 1995)
0.01682
1995574
(-20 from 1994)
317
(-25 from 1994)
0.01576
1994554
(+209 from 1993)
342
(+154 from 1993)
0.01678
1993763
(-17 from 1992)
188
(-3 from 1992)
0.00910
1992746
(-41 from 1991)
191
(-15 from 1991)
0.00910
1991705
(+811 from 1990)
206
(+150 from 1990)
0.00972
19901516
(-41 from 1989)
56
No change from 1989
0.00260
19891475
(+433 from 1988)
56
(+22 from 1988)
0.00267
19881908
(-253 from 1987)
34
(-7 from 1987)
0.00170
19871655
(+9 from 1986)
41
(+3 from 1986)
0.00210
19861664
(+630 from 1985)
38
(+15 from 1985)
0.00198
19852294
(-314 from 1984)
23
(-4 from 1984)
0.00120
19841980
(+696 from 1983)
27
(+10 from 1983)
0.00144
19832676
(-157 from 1982)
17
(-2 from 1982)
0.00091
19822519
(-23 from 1981)
19
No change from 1981
0.00101
19812496
(-52 from 1980)
19
(-1 from 1980)
0.00102
19802444
(-208 from 1979)
20
(-2 from 1979)
0.00108
19792236
(-31 from 1978)
22
(+1 from 1978)
0.00123
19782205
(+831 from 1977)
21
(+8 from 1977)
0.00123
19773036
(-328 from 1976)
13
(-2 from 1976)
0.00076
19762708
(-921 from 1975)
15
(-12 from 1975)
0.00092
19751787
(-95 from 1974)
27
(-1 from 1974)
0.00166
19741692
(+89 from 1973)
28
(+3 from 1973)
0.00172
19731781
(+543 from 1972)
25
(+9 from 1972)
0.00155
19722324
(-972 from 1971)
16
(-23 from 1971)
0.00096
19711352
(+264 from 1970)
39
(+11 from 1970)
0.00215
19701616
(+111 from 1969)
28
(+5 from 1969)
0.00147
19691727
(-221 from 1968)
23
(-4 from 1968)
0.00126
19681506
(+401 from 1967)
27
(+10 from 1967)
0.00152
19671907
(-151 from 1966)
17
(-2 from 1966)
0.00096
19661756
(+100 from 1965)
19
(+1 from 1965)
0.00105
19651856
(-156 from 1964)
18
(-4 from 1964)
0.00095
19641700
(+45 from 1963)
22
(+1 from 1963)
0.00109
19631745
(-33 from 1962)
21
(-1 from 1962)
0.00102
19621712
(-192 from 1961)
22
(-6 from 1961)
0.00105
19611520
(+252 from 1960)
28
(+7 from 1960)
0.00130
19601772
(+337 from 1959)
21
(+6 from 1959)
0.00097
19592109
(-737 from 1958)
15
(-17 from 1958)
0.00069
19581372
(+721 from 1957)
32
(+17 from 1957)
0.00149
19572093
(-417 from 1956)
15
(-7 from 1956)
0.00069
19561676
(+226 from 1955)
22
(+5 from 1955)
0.00103
19551902
(+412 from 1954)
17
(+5 from 1954)
0.00081
19542314
(-859 from 1953)
12
(-15 from 1953)
0.00058
19531455
(+1421 from 1952)
27
(+19 from 1952)
0.00135
19522876
(-1151 from 1951)
8
(-11 from 1951)
0.00041
19511725
(+154 from 1950)
19
(+3 from 1950)
0.00099
19501879
(+457 from 1949)
16
(+5 from 1949)
0.00088
19492336
(-221 from 1948)
11
(-2 from 1948)
0.00061
19482115
(+241 from 1947)
13
(+2 from 1947)
0.00073
19472356
(-326 from 1946)
11
(-2 from 1946)
0.00059
19462030
(+363 from 1945)
13
(+4 from 1945)
0.00079
19452393
(-84 from 1944)
9
(-1 from 1944)
0.00066
19442309
(+96 from 1943)
10
No change from 1943
0.00072
19432405
(+535 from 1942)
10
(+3 from 1942)
0.00069
19422940
(-606 from 1941)
7
(-3 from 1941)
0.00050
19412334
(+337 from 1940)
10
(+2 from 1940)
0.00080
19402671
(-63 from 1939)
8
No change from 1939
0.00067
19392608
(-423 from 1938)
8
(-3 from 1938)
0.00071
19382185
(+494 from 1937)
11
(+3 from 1937)
0.00097
19372679
(+175 from 1936)
8
(+1 from 1936)
0.00073
19362854
(-325 from 1935)
7
(-2 from 1935)
0.00066
19352529
(+212 from 1934)
9
(+1 from 1934)
0.00084
19342741
(-199 from 1933)
8
(-1 from 1933)
0.00075
19332542
(-1155 from 1932)
9
(-16 from 1932)
0.00088
19321387
(+941 from 1931)
25
(+14 from 1931)
0.00233
19312328
(-150 from 1930)
11
(-2 from 1930)
0.00103
19302178
(+139 from 1929)
13
(+1 from 1929)
0.00115
19292317
(-269 from 1928)
12
(-3 from 1928)
0.00108
19282048
(+145 from 1927)
15
(+1 from 1927)
0.00131
19272193
(-347 from 1926)
14
(-4 from 1926)
0.00120
19261846
(-263 from 1925)
18
(-5 from 1925)
0.00157
19251583
(+890 from 1924)
23
(+11 from 1924)
0.00200
19242473
(+1349 from 1923)
12
(+6 from 1923)
0.00103
19233822
(-1679 from 1922)
6
(-9 from 1922)
0.00053
19222143
(+359 from 1921)
15
(+3 from 1921)
0.00133
19212502
(+101 from 1920)
12
(+1 from 1920)
0.00105
19202603
(-540 from 1919)
11
(-4 from 1919)
0.00100
19192063
(-690 from 1918)
15
(-12 from 1918)
0.00148
19181373
(+155 from 1917)
27
(+5 from 1917)
0.00257
19171528
(+66 from 1916)
22
(+2 from 1916)
0.00229
19161594
(-184 from 1915)
20
(-3 from 1915)
0.00217
19151410
(+362 from 1914)
23
(+10 from 1914)
0.00261
19141772
(-660 from 1913)
13
(-8 from 1913)
0.00190
19131112
(+241 from 1912)
21
(+8 from 1912)
0.00392
19121353
(+236 from 1910)
13
(+8 from 1910)
0.00288
19110
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19101589
(-434 from 1909)
5
(-2 from 1909)
0.00240
19091155
(+218 from 1908)
7
(+2 from 1908)
0.00396
19081373
(-338 from 1893)
5
No change from 1893
0.00301
19070
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19060
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19050
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19040
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19030
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19020
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19010
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19000
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18990
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18980
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18970
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18960
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18950
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18940
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18931035
First SSA data recorded
5
First SSA data recorded
0.00413
18920
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18910
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18900
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18890
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18880
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18870
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18860
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18850
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18840
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18830
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18820
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18810
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18800
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000

American States Popularity Rankings for Gunnar

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#7202021#7802022#7972023

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#7502021#6482022#7612023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#3752021#2872022#3012023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#3652021#5332022#4502023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#4082021#4232022#6822023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#6352021#5612022#4772023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#4522021#4682022#7632023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#7042021#6452022#6572023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#3142021#5702022#5182023

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#6132021#7252022#8002023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#3692021#4052022#4892023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#6312021#5342022#5362023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#5802021#5052022#4792023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#3642021#4752022#4082023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#4452021#8492022#4712023

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#7092021#5402022#6512023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#3662021#6592022#5182023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#5532021#6012022#5982023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#5962021#8172022#7282023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#3332021#5572022#5032023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#5662021#4422022#7362023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#6432021#6332022#4072023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#4742021#4372022#5232023

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#5682020#4772021#4442023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#5692021#8522022#8542023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#4372018#3292019#6062022

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#6552020#6002021#8572023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#6602020#8432022#3082023

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#4522021#7262022#5852023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#7782021#8062022#8112023

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#4892018#3402020#4542021

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#3102019#3762021#4312023

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#1742020#2152021#1382022

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#2992021#3732022#4622023

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#4222020#4022021#5342022

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#5172021#7742022#7662023

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#2382017#3152018#3172019

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#3232019#3122022#2782023

Alaska (AK)

Alaska (AK) flagAlaska (AK)#1852017#1232018#1642020

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#3422020#3872021#3802022

Montana (MT)

Montana (MT) flagMontana (MT)#1592013#2232014#2132015

New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire (NH) flagNew Hampshire (NH)#2012015#2152016#2452023

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#2712014#2642015#2242017

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#1512015#2502016#2422019

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#3652017#3392018#3502020

Wyoming (WY)

Wyoming (WY) flagWyoming (WY)#1302005#1002015#1312017

Delaware (DE)

Delaware (DE) flagDelaware (DE)#1682016

Vermont (VT)

Vermont (VT) flagVermont (VT)#1372014

Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii (HI) flagHawaii (HI)#2592020

Popularity Rankings for Gunnar in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Iceland

Iceland flagIceland#752021#132022#112023

Popularity in Greenland

Greenland flagGreenland#222011#242013

Popularity in Sweden

Sweden flagSweden#1612022#1312023

Popularity in Norway

Norway flagNorway#2812021#3552022#3352023

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#4832020#6052021#9272022

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Gunnar a Name for Boys or Girls?

The name Gunnar is generally given to boys, reflecting its origin from Norse mythology.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Gunnar

Gunnar in Famous People Names and Pop Culture

  • Gunnar Nordahl (Soccer Player, 1921–1995): A Swedish footballer who played for AC Milan and is considered one of the greatest strikers in football history.
  • Gunnar Hansen (Actor, 1947–2015): An Icelandic-born American actor best known for playing Leatherface in "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre."
  • Gunnar Bentz (Swimmer, 1996): An American Olympic gold medalist swimmer.
  • Gunnar Möller (Actor, 1928–2017): A German television and film actor known for his roles in the 1950s German cinema.
  • Gunnar Jensen ("The Expendables," 2010 Film Series): A member of the elite mercenary group known for his rough demeanor and combat skills.
  • Gunnar ("Beowulf," 2007 Film): A character in the animated adaptation of the epic poem, serving as a warrior.
  • Gunnar Stahl ("D2: The Mighty Ducks," 1994 Film): The primary antagonist and star player for Team Iceland in this sports comedy-drama.
  • Gunnar ("Gunnar's Daughter," 1909 Novel): A character in Sigrid Undset's historical novel set in the Viking Age.
  • Gunnar ("Heavy Metal," 1981 Animated Film): A warrior character in the anthology film based on the Heavy Metal magazine.
  • None

Similar Names to Gunnar

Sibling Names for Gunnar

Parents Who Like the Name Gunnar Also Like

Gunnar is a solid name for boys. For that, I’d like to hear more about your ideas in the comment section and be sure to share this name with people around you.
Helen Doanna

Helen Doanna

Editor in Chief, Educational Specialist, and Senior Content Creator

Expertise

Child Development Specialist, Child-care Coordinator, Family Support Specialist, Content Writer, Communications Specialist, Educational Consultant, STEAM Teacher

Education

1. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Literature and Journalism
  • Focus: In-depth knowledge of Literature, knowledge and skills to perceive, create literature or work in related fields; Basic knowledge of communications.

2. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Education Faculty
  • Focus: Core knowledge of social sciences and humanities – the root for the development of progressive values of education, Multicultural communication in education, Contemporary education in the context of globalization, Learning in the digital technology era, Basic issues of STEAM education, Classroom Management, Special education.

3. Oregon State University, Oregan, US

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Human Development and Family Sciences – Child Development
  • Focus: Different stages of development, from infancy to adulthood; Develop a strong foundation for a career in early childhood programs or classrooms; Learn strategies for supporting young children’s development in early childhood settings.
Facebook
Instagram
Linkedin

Helen is an experienced educational specialist and content creator, known for her innovative approach to children’s learning. With a background in literature and child development, she composes engaging educational content for SimpleKids.net. Her work emphasizes creativity, engagement, and simplicity, aiming to make learning enjoyable and accessible for children and their families.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *