Günther is a German variant of the name Gunther, itself derived from Old German Gundahar, meaning “war army” from the elements gunda “war” and heri “army”. It is a cognate of Gunnar. The name gained particular popularity in Germany during the 1920s and 1930s. Etymology and Root The root name Gunther is deeply rooted in Germanic legend. It was borne by a semi-legendary 5th-century Burgundian king, a figure who appears in the medieval epic Nibelungenlied. In the saga, King Gunther seeks to marry the Icelandic queen Brunhild. With the help of the hero Siegfried, he succeeds, but later betrays him. Siegfried's widow and Gunther's sister, Kriemhild, takes her revenge, leading to tragic consequences. Gunther also appears in Old Norse sources as Gunnar, reflecting a shared Germanic heritage. Additionally, the name refers to an 11th-century saint who lived as a hermit in Bavaria and Bohemia. Historical Popularity In Germany, Günther experienced a surge in popularity during the 1920s and 1930s. This period followed World War I and saw a revival of traditional Germanic names, a trend that continued through the Nazi era. Günther was favored for its strong, heroic associations, linking back to the medieval king and the Nibelungen saga. Notable Bearers Many notable individuals have borne this name, especially in German-speaking Europe. In literature and arts, Günther Grass (1927–2015) was a Nobel Prize-winning novelist and playwright, author of The Tin Drum. Günter Eich (1907–1972) was a renowned poet and dramatist. In the visual arts, Günter Brus (1938–2024) was an Austrian painter and performance artist, while Gunter Demnig (born 1947) is a German artist famous for his Stolpersteine project commemorating Nazi victims. Also among luminaries are composers Günter Bialas, Günter Graulich, and singer Gunter Gabriel. The name remains current in contemporary Germany and Austria. Variants and Related Forms Variants include Günter (without h, common in Germany), Gunter (anglicized), and Gunther (the standard Germanic form). Cognates in other languages include Swedish Gunnar, Norse Gunnarr, and Latvian Gunārs or Guntars. The Germanic mythology root Gundahar is also preserved. Meaning: War Gender: Male Origin: Germanic Usage: German Notable Variants: Günter, Gunter, Gunther