Gudrun is a Nordic name of Old Norse origin, meaning "god's protection" or "protected by God". It is composed of the elements "guð", which means god, and "rún", which means secret or whisper. The name was popular among the Germanic tribes who believed in numerous gods and goddesses that could influence their lives.
In Norse mythology, Gudrun is also the name of several characters, most notably as the wife of Sigurd the Dragon Slayer in the Volsunga saga. This epic poem tells the story of the Volsungs, a heroic dynasty, and their encounters with gods, dwarves, and other mythical creatures. Gudrun's character is known for her strength and resilience in the face of adversity, but she is also associated with tragedy due to the events surrounding her husband's death.
The name Gudrun has been used throughout history among the Scandinavian peoples, but it became particularly popular during the Romantic period in the 19th century when there was a renewed interest in Norse mythology and culture. Today, Gudrun remains a relatively rare but unique and distinctive name choice for girls.
In summary, Gudrun is an Old Norse name with a strong and powerful meaning that reflects its mythological origins. Its association with the Volsunga saga adds an element of intrigue and heroism to the name, making it an excellent choice for parents looking for a lesser-known but rich in history Nordic name for their daughter.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Gudrun has been given to a total of 399 babies in the United States over the years 1895 to 1972. While it was relatively popular during the early 1900s, with peaks reaching up to 35 births in 1915 and 22 births in 1914, its popularity significantly decreased after World War I, falling below 20 births per year every year from 1920 onwards.
It's interesting to note that there were no recorded births with the name Gudrun between the years of 1930 and 1957. However, it began to reappear in the late 1950s and continued to be given to a small number of babies each year until 1972.
While the name Gudrun may not have been a widespread choice among parents during this period, it is clear that there was some persistence in its use. Despite fluctuations in popularity over the decades, it remained present as a unique and distinctive name.