Gerrit is a Dutch masculine given name of Germanic origin. It is derived from the Old Germanic elements "geri" meaning "spear" and "rith" meaning "strength". Therefore, Gerrit can be translated to mean "strong in war".
The name Gerrit has been used in the Netherlands since medieval times. It was particularly popular during the 17th century, a period known as the Dutch Golden Age when the Netherlands played a significant role as a trading nation. During this time, many children were named Gerrit, reflecting the pride and strength of their country.
One notable historical figure with the name Gerrit is the 16th-century Dutch painter, Gerrit van Honthorst. He was famous for his caravaggist style and his depictions of Biblical scenes, genre paintings, and portraits.
Today, Gerrit remains a popular name in the Netherlands and among the Dutch diaspora worldwide. While it may not be as widespread as some other Dutch names like Hans or Willem, it continues to be chosen by parents who appreciate its strong, historical significance.
Based on the statistics provided, we can observe the trend of births with the name Gerrit in the United States from 1881 to 2023.
The highest number of births occurred in 1916, with a total of 49 babies named Gerrit. This was followed by another peak in 1978, with 35 births. However, these high points were exceptions rather than the norm for this name during these periods.
Over time, the popularity of the name Gerrit has decreased significantly. From the late 1800s to around the mid-1970s, there was a fluctuating trend in births with this name. Starting from the late 1970s onwards, we see a steady decline until it reached its current level, where only a handful of babies are named Gerrit each year.
Since 2008, there have been fewer than 30 births per year with this name, and in recent years (2021-2023), the number has decreased further to single digits. The most recent data point shows that only 6 babies were named Gerrit in the United States in 2022.
In total, between 1881 and 2023, there have been 2853 births with the name Gerrit in the United States. This demonstrates a significant decrease in popularity over time, making it an increasingly uncommon name today.