Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Gunner

Gunner is the transferred use of an English surname originating as an occupation name from the Olde English “gonne, gunne” meaning ‘cannon’ signifying a person whose job it was to load the heavy artillery and fire the cannons. Alternately, Gunner is also thought to come from a metronymic surname (passed down through the maternal side, which was uncommon in patriarchal societies of medieval Europe). In this case, the name comes from the female personal name “Gunvor” meaning ‘female defender in battle’. This surname dates back to the Middle Ages, although as a male forename, Gunner is mainly restricted to the United States. Gunner is also sometimes thought to be an Americanized respelling of Gunnar, who was a warrior in Norse mythology (and a common name in Scandinavia).

All About the Baby Name – Gunner

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME GUNNER

The number Seven personality is deeply mystical and highly in tune with their spirituality. They operate on a different wavelength than the average joe. Spending time alone comes easily to Sevens, as it gives them time to contemplate philosophical, religious and spiritual ideas in an effort to find "real truth".  Sevens are wise, but often exude mystery as if they are tapped into something the rest of us don't understand. They love the outdoors and are fed by nature. Sevens are constantly seeking to understand human nature, our place in the universe, and the mystery of life in general. This makes them quite artistic and poetic, but they are also keen observers with high intellect - so they are equally scientific-minded. Sevens are charitable and care deeply about the human condition.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME GUNNER

As a boy’s name, Gunner has only been around since the mid-1990s. The name first appeared on the male naming charts in 1994 and has since climbed over 500 spots up the charts in less than 20 years. We’re not sure what prompted the usage of this name – it has a rather, um, how shall we say, aggressive quality? Perhaps a choice for parents who are big fans of the Second Amendment? It’s a strong sounding name, if a bit on the trendy side. It reminds us of Conner and Tanner, two other surnames made into first names. Gunner is by far the the most macho of these choices. The co-founder and bassist of Mötley Crüe, Nikki Sixx, named his own son Gunner Nicholas in 1991 and Nikki Sixx is the kind of guy that doesn’t beat around the bush.

Quick Facts

ON GUNNER

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

American

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

239

PRONUNCIATION:

GUN-ner

SIMPLE MEANING:

Cannon, Defender in battle

Characteristics

OF GUNNER

Mystical

Wise

Eccentric

Intuitive

Imaginative

Philosophical

Solitary

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Gunner

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME GUNNER

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Gunner

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME GUNNER

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Gunner


Popular Songs

ON GUNNER

Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner
Warren Zevon

Gunner
a song by Denali

Famous People

NAMED GUNNER

We cannot find any celebrities or significantly famous people with the first name Gunner.

Children of Famous People

NAMED GUNNER

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Gunner

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME GUNNER

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Gunner