Gunnar

boyOld Norse

Gunnar is an boy name of Old Norse origin, meaning “Battle warrior”.

MeaningBattle warrior
GenderBoy
OriginOld Norse
PronunciationGOON-ar
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inNorway, Sweden, Iceland, United States

Meaning and origin of Gunnar

Gunnar comes from Old Norse Gunnarr, from gunnr, 'battle' or 'war', and herr, 'army' or 'warrior'. It appears in Norse literature, notably as Gunnar of Hlidarendi in Njal's Saga and as Gunnar in the Volsung legends, the counterpart of Gunther in the German Nibelungenlied. It remains common in Scandinavia and Iceland and is used in the United States.

Is Gunnar a religious name?

Gunnar is a Norse name from the pre-Christian era; today it is used without religious meaning.

How popular is Gunnar?

Traditional in Scandinavia; moderately used in the US.

Gifts with the name Gunnar

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a small commission from these links, at no extra cost to you.

Spellings and variants of Gunnar

GunnerGuntherGunderGunni

Names similar to Gunnar

More boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Gunnar mean?

Gunnar means 'Battle warrior'. It is of Old Norse origin.

Does Gunnar have a religious meaning?

Gunnar is a Norse name from the pre-Christian era; today it is used without religious meaning.

How do you pronounce Gunnar?

Gunnar is pronounced GOON-ar.

Is Gunnar a boy or girl name?

Gunnar is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.