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Gunner

♂ Boy

Pronounced GUN-er /ˈɡʌnər/High

Meaning: English occupational/word name from 'gunner' (one who operates a gun), but also an anglicized form of the Old Norse name Gunnarr, from gunnr (war, battle) + arr (warrior/eagle), meaning 'bold warrior'High

In 30 seconds: Gunner blends the rugged feel of an English occupational name with the ancient Norse warrior name Gunnar. Bold and direct, it fits squarely in the trend for strong, action-oriented boys' names.
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Origin HighOld Norse, English
MeaningEnglish occupational/word name from 'gunner' (one who operates a gun), but also an anglicized form of the Old Norse name Gunnarr, from gunnr (war, battle) + arr (warrior/eagle), meaning 'bold warrior'
U.S. rank (2025)#506 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births597 boys (0.03% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2015
Total births (all-time)≈ 23,471

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201519702025

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

History & Origin

Gunner has a dual heritage. As an English word-name, it references the military role of a gunner — one who operates artillery. But it also anglicizes the Old Norse Gunnarr, a name composed of gunnr (battle) and arr (eagle or warrior). The Norse Gunnar was a hero of the Völsunga Saga.

Gunner rose as a given name in the United States in the 2000s and 2010s alongside a broader enthusiasm for rugged, outdoorsy, military-themed names. It often appears in regions with strong hunting and firearms cultures and has charted consistently in the top 200–300 boys' names.

Did you know? The Old Norse name Gunnarr features prominently in the Nibelungenlied and the Völsunga saga — Gunnar was the brother-in-law of the legendary hero Sigurd (Siegfried), making it one of the great warrior names of medieval epic literature.
Overall data confidence 84%
Behind the Name — Gunnar — etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

GunnarGunterGunnr

Nicknames

Gun

Famous Bearers

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If you like Gunner…

Gunnar— the Old Norse original with the same etymology and sound
Hunter— fellow bold occupational boys' name in the same rugged category
Ranger— another action/outdoors-themed boys' name with the same energy
Archer— shares the weapon/warrior theme and two-syllable rhythm

Frequently Asked

What does the name Gunner mean?

Gunner combines the English occupational term for a gun operator with the Old Norse Gunnarr, meaning 'bold warrior' from gunnr (battle) + arr (eagle/warrior).

How do you pronounce Gunner?

It is said GUN-er — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Gunner a boy or girl name?

Gunner is used almost exclusively as a boys' name.

How popular is Gunner?

Gunner has been rising in the U.S. since the 2000s and typically ranks in the top 200–300 boys' names.