Gunner
/ˈɡʌn.əɹ/
Gunner is an anglicised form of the Old Norse name Gunnarr, from gunnr (“war,” “battle”) and arr (“warrior”), giving the meaning “bold warrior” or “battle warrior.”
In Norse mythology, Gunnar of the Niebelungs was a famous hero. The name was common across Scandinavia throughout the medieval period and entered English through Viking settlement in Britain.
Gunner peaked at No. 235 in 2014 with 1,578 births. In 2024 it ranks No. 519 with 587 births, declining from its 2010s peak.
What the name Gunner means
The spelling Gunner distinguishes it from the Scandinavian Gunnar. In English, “gunner” also means an artillery soldier, which adds a military connotation beyond the Norse meaning.
Two syllables—GUN-er—are direct and forceful. The hard initial consonant and short vowel give it an energetic, no-nonsense quality shared by Hunter, Ranger, and Archer.
Parents choosing Gunner typically want a name that communicates strength and action without the more overtly religious or classical associations of other strong names.
The name occupies a specific niche in American naming culture: outdoorsy, Southern-inflected, with connotations of hunting, military service, and physical capability.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Gunner
Gunner - similar names
Not seeing what you want? Browse all names by origin or popularity