Conrad is a male given name of Germanic origin, derived from the Old German word "Konrad", which is composed of two elements: "kuoni" meaning "bold, brave" and "rat" meaning "counsel, advice". Therefore, the name Conrad means "bold counselor" or "brave advisor".
The name Conrad has been popular throughout history. It was borne by several notable historical figures, such as Holy Roman Emperor Conrad II (also known as Conrad the Salic), who ruled from 1027 to 1039, and his grandson, Conrad III, who was the first King of Germany from the House of Staufer.
The name Conrad was also popular among royalty in other European countries. For example, Conrad IV, son of Frederick II of Hohenstaufen, became King of Germany in 1237 and later ruled over Sicily and Jerusalem. Additionally, Conrad V of Sweden reigned from 1160 to 1167.
In literature, the name Conrad has been used by several prominent authors. The most famous example is perhaps Joseph Conrad, born Józef Teodor Konrad Korzeniowski in Poland in 1857. He was a British novelist whose works include "Heart of Darkness" and "Lord Jim".
The name Conrad remains popular today, often appearing on lists of top baby boy names. It has also been used as a surname throughout history.
In terms of its usage over time, the name Conrad has seen fluctuations in popularity. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, it was most popular in the early 20th century, peaking at #179 in 1905. After declining in popularity for several decades, it began to rise again in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, reaching its highest point since the 1930s at #681 in 2004.
Overall, Conrad is a strong and historic male given name with roots in Germanic culture that has been worn by many notable figures throughout history. Its meaning of "bold counselor" or "brave advisor" makes it a fitting choice for parents looking for a name that carries both strength and wisdom.
In the United States, the name Conrad experienced a slight fluctuation in popularity during the early to mid-20th century. According to available statistics, there were 5 babies named Conrad in 1921, followed by an increase to 6 births in 1927. However, this growth was not sustained, as the number of newborns given the name Conrad decreased once again to 5 in 1932.
Over these three years, from 1921 to 1932, a total of 16 boys were named Conrad in the United States. While the popularity of the name may have been modest during this period, it is important to note that each child was given a unique and distinctive name that has stood the test of time.
It's also interesting to consider how cultural trends and preferences may have influenced these statistics. For instance, parents might have chosen Conrad for their sons due to its association with historical figures or literary works, such as Conrad Veidt, the German-American actor known for his roles in films like "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari," or Joseph Conrad, the renowned Polish-British writer famous for his novel "Heart of Darkness." However, it's essential not to overlook that each child named Conrad was unique and cherished by their parents regardless of popular trends.
In conclusion, while the name Conrad may not have been extremely popular during the early 20th century in the United States, with a total of just 16 births between 1921 and 1932, it is still a significant and meaningful choice for many families. Each child named Conrad contributes to the rich tapestry of names and cultural heritage in our collective history.