Meaning & History
Gert is a German, Dutch, Danish and Swedish short form of Gerhard, itself a variant of Gerard. The root name Gerard is derived from the Old German elements ger meaning "spear" and hart meaning "hard, firm, brave, hardy". The Normans introduced Gerard to Britain, where it was initially popular but later declined, often confused with Gerald.
Usage and Distribution
Gert is primarily masculine but has been used occasionally as a feminine short form of Gertrude. According to Wikipedia, the name has become increasingly rare in Sweden; since 1993, no Swedish child has been baptized as Gert. In 2010, around 12,000 Swedes had Gert as their first name, most over the age of 50. Approximately 400 women in Sweden bear Gert as a first name.
Notable Bearers
- Gert Aandewiel (born 1969), Dutch football player and manager
- Gert Andersen (born 1939), Danish handball player
- Gert Bals (1936–2016), Dutch footballer
- Gert Bender (born 1948), German motorcycle racer
- Gert Blomé (1934–2021), Swedish ice hockey player
- Gert Bolmer (born 1983), Dutch dressage equestrian
Forms and Variants
Related masculine variants include Dutch Gerd and Geert, and German Hardy. Feminine forms include Dutch Gerarda. Equivalent names in other languages include Polish and English Gerard, English Gerrard and Jerrard, Norwegian Kai and Kaj, and French Gérard.
- Meaning: Spear + brave/hardy
- Origin: Germanic, via Gerhard and Gerard
- Type: Diminutive/short form
- Usage regions: Denmark, Netherlands, Germany, Sweden
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Gert