Origin and Meaning of Gerturde
Meaning & Origin
Spear of strength
Origin: German - The name Gertrude comes from the Old High German elements 'geri' meaning 'spear' and 'trud' meaning 'strength' or 'force'.
Interesting Facts
- Gertrude has been used since the Middle Ages and was common in 19th-century English-speaking countries.
- The name is often associated with various saints, most notably Saint Gertrude of Nivelles, a 7th-century abbess, who is considered the patroness of cats.
- Literature references Gertrude in Shakespeare’s play 'Hamlet', where Queen Gertrude is a prominent character.
- Gertrude experienced a decline in popularity after the 1920s but has seen a minor resurgence in recent years as vintage names become fashionable.
- Variations of the name include Gertraud (German), Gertrudis (Spanish), and Gertie (a diminutive form).