Gunnar
Gunnar is a boy name of Scandinavian origin meaning “Warrior, bold fighter”, pronounced GUN-ar. It ranked #612 in the United States in 2025, given to 462 babies, and peaked at #382 in 2014. Common nicknames: Gun, Nar.
How popular is Gunnar in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Gunnar mean, and where does it come from?
Gunnar is the Old Norse Gunnarr, from gunnr, "battle," and arr, "warrior" — the name of the archer of Njáls saga and of the Gunther of the Nibelungenlied, the same figure under a German spelling. It remains a standard name in Iceland, Norway and Sweden, and travelled to the American Midwest with Scandinavian settlement, appearing in birth records from 1893. It entered the top thousand in 1991 and peaked in 2014. The Gunner spelling, which means something else entirely, now runs alongside it in the United States.
How is Gunnar used around the world?
Gunnar is used in 3 languages worldwide, with 9+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Gunnar?
Famous People Named Gunnar
- Gunnar Myrdal — Swedish economist and Nobel laureate
- Gunnar Nordahl — Swedish footballer and record scorer for AC Milan
- Gunnar Asplund — Swedish architect of the Stockholm Public Library
Similar Names to Gunnar
If you like Gunnar, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Gunnar
Looking for names that pair well with Gunnar? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Gunnar mean?
Gunnar is a boy name of Scandinavian origin meaning "Warrior, bold fighter." Gunnar is the Old Norse Gunnarr, from gunnr, "battle," and arr, "warrior" — the name of the archer of Njáls saga and of the Gunther of the Nibelungenlied, the same figure under a German spelling. It remains a standard name in Iceland, Norway and Sweden, and travelled to the American Midwest with Scandinavian settlement, appearing in birth records from 1893.
How do you pronounce Gunnar?
Gunnar is pronounced GUN-ar. Common variations include Gunner, Gunter, Gunnarr.
Is Gunnar a boy name?
Yes, Gunnar is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Gun, Nar.