Konrad is a Germanic given name of uncertain origin. Some sources suggest it means "bold power" or "brave counsel," while others propose it means "wise ruler." The name has been used throughout history in various cultures, including Germany, Poland, and Scandinavia.
The name Konrad first appears in the historical record during the early Middle Ages. Saint Conrad of Constance was a German nobleman who lived in the 10th century and is considered one of the first people named Konrad to have left a significant mark on history. He became known for his piety and generosity, eventually becoming the patron saint of bakers and brewers.
In Germany, the name Konrad became particularly popular during the High Middle Ages. It was borne by several notable figures, including Konrad I of Bohemia, who ruled as king from 1198 to 1253, and Konrad von Moltke, a prominent field marshal in the Prussian army during the 19th century.
The name Konrad has also been used in Poland throughout history. In fact, one of the most famous people named Konrad is Polish astronomer Nicholas Copernicus, born Nicolaus Kopernik, who was known by the Latin form of his first name, Nicolaus. He made significant contributions to astronomy and is considered one of the founders of modern scientific revolution.
In literature, the name Konrad appears in works such as "Konrad der Siebzehnjährige" ("Konrad the Seventeen-Year-Old"), a novel written by German author Gustav Freytag in 1855. The protagonist of this story, Konrad Gessler, embodies many of the qualities associated with the name, including bravery and determination.
Overall, Konrad is an historic name with roots that stretch back to medieval Europe. Its meaning, while uncertain, is associated with power, wisdom, and bravery. Throughout history, people named Konrad have made significant contributions in various fields, from politics and military affairs to science and literature. Despite its Germanic origins, the name has been adopted by cultures throughout Europe, making it a truly international moniker.
Based on the statistics provided, we can observe that the name Konrad has had varying popularity over the years in the United States.
From 1913 to 1949, there were fewer than 25 births with the name Konrad each year, with some years seeing as few as five or six births. However, starting from 1950, we see a significant increase in popularity, with over 20 births recorded annually until 1976.
The peak of popularity for the name Konrad occurred between 1982 and 1996, during which time there were consistently more than 40 births each year. The highest number of births was recorded in 1996 with 77 babies named Konrad.
After 1996, the popularity of the name began to decline, although it remained relatively stable throughout the early 2000s. Since then, there have been fewer than 100 births each year for the name Konrad, with a total of 3916 births recorded since 1913.
Overall, while the popularity of the name Konrad has fluctuated over time, it is clear that it has seen periods of significant popularity, particularly between the 1980s and the late 1990s. Despite its current lower popularity compared to those peak years, it remains a unique and historically relevant choice for parents in the United States.