Surname Gunnar - Meaning and Origin
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Gunnar: What does the surname Gunnar mean?
Gunnar is a Scandinavian and Germanic name derived from the Old Norse Gunnr meaning "warrior" or "fighter." This is in reference to its first being used as a nickname for one who showed strength in battle or any sort of physical confrontation. It was popular during the Viking Age and is still used in Iceland today. The name is relatively rare in English-speaking countries, but remains popular in Scandinavia and Germany.
Gunnar is often associated with bravery and strength, and its use in literature and mythology reflects this. It is frequently used as part of a longer name, such as Gunnar Erikson or Gunnar Fridholm. In Norse mythology, it was used to name the father of the giant, Thor. The character Gunnar from The Saga of Grettir the Strong is known for his bravery and loyalty.
Gunnar is particularly popular among Swedish and Norwegian athletes, with soccer player Zlatan Ibrahimovic, tennis stars Bjorn Borg and Mats Wilander, and supermodel Helena Christensen, all having the surname. Although not as widely used as some other Scandinavian names, Gunnar remains a distinctive choice that symbolizes strength and courage.
Order DNA origin analysisGunnar: Where does the name Gunnar come from?
The last name Gunnar is most commonly found in Scandinavian countries today, such as Norway, Sweden, and Finland. It is a popular given name in these parts of the world, derived from the Old Norse name Gunnar, which was used to refer to a brave warrior. According to the United States Census Bureau, Gunnar is the 248th most common surname in the United States. In Scandinavian countries, this ranking is likely much higher.
The last name is also commonly found in other parts of Europe such as Germany, Lithuania, and Latvia. It is also found in countries in the Arab world, such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar. The meaning behind the name Gunnar can be interpreted differently depending on the region. In Scandinavia, it is either derived from the Old Norse term for "warrior" or a combination of two elements meaning "bold" and "fighter." In other regions, Gunnar's etymology may differ, though its meaning could still refer to a brave warrior.
Gunnars are quite popular among people of Scandinavian descent in America, and especially among the descendants of Norwegians. The surname has a long history in Scandinavia, and so it isn't surprising that many Nordic-Americans choose to retain it. Gunnar is also a popular choice for those who adopt a Scandinavian sounding name to take on Nordic heritage.
Variations of the surname Gunnar
Gunnar is a Scandinavian/Norse surname derived from the Old Norse name Gunnarr. Variants, spellings and other surnames of the same origin include Gunn, Gunner, Gunnarson, Gunnerson, Gunnersen, Gunnesen, Gunness, Gunnesson, Gunning, Gunnink, Gunnarson, Gunnarsen, Guðnason, Guðnasson, Guðneisson, Konar or Konnor.
Gunnar primarily originates in Norse countries such as Sweden, Norway and Denmark. In Sweden, Gunnar is one of the most common surnames, and its variants Gunnarsson, Gunnarson and Gunnersson are also among the thirty most common surnames there. Also associated with the Norse countries, Konar, Konner, Guðnason and Guðnasson are especially found in Iceland.
In its anglicised spellings of Gunner, Gunnersen, Gunning, etc., Gunnar is mostly associated with the United Kingdom and other English-speaking countries such as Canada and Australia. As an extra variant, Jonnesen is a surname of a similar but distinct origin, and is found mainly in Norway and the United States.
Gunnar is also a popular given name in many Western cultures, with the German form of Gunnher, and its corresponding nicknames, becoming especially popular in the United States during the 20th century.
Famous people with the name Gunnar
- Shaykha Gunnar Ström, a Swedish Arabist and Islamologist.
- Gunnar Bentz, American swimmer and Olympic gold medalist.
- Gunnar Nordahl, Swedish footballer.
- Gunnar Nelson, Icelandic Mixed Martial Artist.
- Gunnar Aagaard Andersen, Danish sculptor and designer.
- Gunnar Friedemann, German physicist and Nobel laureate.
- Gunnar Schjelderup, Norwegian ski jumper and cross-country skier.
- Gunnar Ekström, Swedish ice hockey player.
- Gunnar Myrdal, Swedish economist and Nobel laureate.
- Gunnar Heiberg, Norwegian playwright.
- Gunnar Myrdal, Swedish economist and a Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences recipient.
- Gunnar Stålsett, Norwegian theologian, philosopher, and bishop of Oslo.
- Gunnar Ekelöf, Swedish poet and author.
- Gunnar Kaufmann, Danish composer.
- Gunnar Björnstrand, Swedish actor.
- Gunnar Kaasen, Norwegian-American musher and sled dog breeder.
- Gunnar Asplund, Swedish architect.
- Gunnar Nilsson, Swedish Formula One racing driver.
- Gunnar Höglund, Swedish politician.
- Gunnar Berg, Faroese artist.