Gunner is a strong and distinctive name of English origin, derived from the word "gunner," which refers to someone who operates firearms or artillery. The name has been used historically as an occupational surname for people involved in military artillery units.
The earliest recorded use of Gunner as a given name is believed to be during the 17th century in England. It was likely initially used as a nickname or pet name for boys whose fathers were involved in gunnery, artillery, or military service. Over time, Gunner has evolved from an occupational surname and nickname into a unique given name choice.
Gunner is not particularly popular among English-speaking countries today, but it has gained some attention recently due to its use by celebrities such as American actor and musician Jax Taylor, who named his son Gunner Stone in 2017. Despite its rarity, Gunner remains an appealing option for parents looking for a strong, distinctive name with historical roots.
In terms of pronunciation, Gunner is typically pronounced /ˈɡʌnər/, rhyming with "runner." It consists of two syllables and has a pleasing rhythm when spoken aloud. Some variations of the name include Gunnar (which is more common as a given name) and Gunnarr, both of which are also of English origin but have Scandinavian influences.
Overall, Gunner is an uncommon yet powerful name choice that pays homage to its historical roots while offering parents a distinctive option for their child's name. Its militaristic origins add an air of strength and bravery, making it an appealing choice for those looking for a name with meaning and character behind it.
The name Gunner has been steadily present on the U.S. baby naming scene for the past few years, with a consistent yet modest number of newborns bearing this moniker each year. In 2013, there were five instances of the name Gunner being given to newborn boys. Two years later, in 2015, six little ones joined the ranks of the Gunners. The numbers dipped slightly in 2018, with another five babies named Gunner coming into the world that year. However, the trend seemed to pick up again recently, as six new Gunners were welcomed in 2021.
Overall, since 2013, a total of twenty-two boys have been named Gunner across the United States. This data illustrates that while not extremely popular, the name Gunner has maintained a small but steady presence among U.S. parents' choices for their newborn sons over the past few years.