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Conrad

♂ Boy

Pronounced KON-rad /ˈkɒn.ræd/High

Meaning: From Old High German Konrad, combining kuoni meaning bold, brave or experienced and rat meaning counsel or adviceHigh

In 30 seconds: Conrad is a distinguished Germanic name meaning 'bold counsel' with a long history of kings and authors — a name of quiet authority that is poised for a handsome vintage revival.
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Origin HighGermanic
MeaningFrom Old High German Konrad, combining kuoni meaning bold, brave or experienced and rat meaning counsel or advice
U.S. rank (2025)#417 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births770 boys (0.04% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2025
Total births (all-time)≈ 39,279

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202518802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Conrad comes from Old High German Konrad, from kuoni (bold, brave) and rat (counsel). It was a common name among medieval German emperors and popes.

Conrad was used in England from the medieval period onward and saw periods of popularity in the United States in the 19th and 20th centuries. It is now regarded as a distinguished vintage classic.

Did you know? Joseph Conrad, born Józef Teodor Konrad Korzeniowski in Poland, chose Conrad as his pen name — and went on to write Heart of Darkness and Lord Jim, cementing the name's literary gravitas forever.
Overall data confidence 93%
Behind the Name — Conrad — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

KonradCurtKurt

Nicknames

ConConnie

Famous Bearers

  • ★Joseph Conrad (1857–1924)
    Polish-British novelist, author of Heart of Darkness and Lord Jim; considered one of the greatest writers in English.
  • ★Conrad Hilton (1887–1979)
    American hotel mogul and founder of the Hilton Hotels chain.

If you like Conrad…

Clifford— shares the dignified, vintage English-Germanic feel and similar revival potential
Cornelius— fellow stately Latin-German classic with the same imposing vintage character
Winston— shares the old-fashioned gravitas and strong historical associations
Leonard— parallel -ard Germanic name with the same noble, literary feel

Frequently Asked

What does the name Conrad mean?

Conrad means bold counsel from Old High German kuoni (bold) and rat (counsel, advice).

How do you pronounce Conrad?

It is said KON-rad /ˈkɒn.ræd/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Conrad a literary name?

Yes, Conrad is strongly associated with novelist Joseph Conrad, one of the greatest writers in the English language.

Is Conrad making a comeback?

Conrad is a distinguished vintage name with strong revival potential as classic Germanic names regain fashion.