Erhard is a German male given name that originates from the Old High German words "er" meaning "noble" or "strong," and "hard" which means "strength" or "brave." Therefore, the name Erhard translates to "noble strength" or "brave and strong."
The name has a long history in Germany, with some of its earliest appearances dating back to the Middle Ages. It was particularly popular among the nobility during this time, likely due to its meaning. Some notable figures bearing the name include Erhard Aichinger, a 16th-century German printer and publisher, and Erhard Weichelt, a 20th-century German painter.
Erhard is also associated with Saint Erhard, a 9th-century bishop of Regensburg in Bavaria who was renowned for his kindness and generosity towards the poor. He is considered the patron saint of bakers, butchers, and tavern keepers.
Today, Erhard remains a popular name in Germany and other German-speaking countries. It is sometimes shortened to the familiar forms "Erhardt" or "Hard." While it may not be as widely used internationally as some other German names, its strong and noble meaning continues to make it an attractive choice for parents looking for a distinctive and meaningful name for their son.
Erhard is a unique and historic name with an interesting pattern of usage over time in the United States. Based on the statistics provided, Erhard was quite popular during the early 20th century but became increasingly rare towards the mid-century.
From 1914 to 1935, there were a total of 110 babies named Erhard born in the United States. The name's popularity peaked in 1915 and 1917 with 14 and 15 births respectively. However, by 1928, the number of annual births had declined significantly to just six. This trend continued throughout the following years until 1935 when there were only six births again.
Despite its decline in popularity after the 1920s, the name Erhard still holds historical significance. It is a rare and distinctive name that has been used consistently over several decades. Today, it serves as an interesting piece of American naming history and may be appealing to parents looking for a unique name with a rich past.
In conclusion, while Erhard is not among the most popular names today, its statistical journey provides insight into the fluctuations in naming trends during the early 20th century in the United States.