Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Gunner
BoyOld Norse, English· “bold warrior; one who fires a gun”
- Meaning
- bold warrior; one who fires a gun
- Origin
- Old Norse, English
- Pronunciation
- GUH-nur
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #506
- US babies 2025
- 597
- Best rank
- #235 (2014)
- Peak year
- 2015
Meaning and origin of Gunner
Gunner is an Old Norse and English name that is usually said to mean “bold warrior; one who fires a gun”.
Gunner is an English spelling that blends two sources. It sounds like Gunnar, the Scandinavian form of the Old Norse Gunnarr, made from gunnr, war, and herr, army or warrior, so it is often given the meaning bold warrior. It also matches the English word gunner, a soldier who operates a cannon or large gun. As a first name in the United States, Gunner has a rugged, energetic image and fits with names like Maverick and Ryker. Parents wanting the Scandinavian heritage without the military word often choose the spelling Gunnar.
Other spellings with the same sound: Gunnar.
Popularity over time
Gunner first appears in US Social Security records in 1970. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 32 different years, starting in 1994. Its best national rank was #235 in 2014, and the most babies received it in 2015, when 1,591 were named Gunner. In 2025, 597 babies were named Gunner, and it ranked #506 nationally. That is 62% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #5,795 in 1980, #716 in 2000, #369 in 2010, and #506 in 2025. Of the 23,486 US boys named Gunner since records began, 55% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 4,821 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Simon, Tobias, Kameron, Reid, and Titus.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Gunner ranked highest in Arkansas, Mississippi, and West Virginia.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | #193 | 19 |
| Mississippi | #205 | 15 |
| West Virginia | #211 | 9 |
| Alabama | #241 | 23 |
| Tennessee | #248 | 36 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Gunner is usually pronounced GUH-nur, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with G and ends in “-er”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Gunnar.
Middle names for Gunner
A few middle names that flow with Gunner: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Gunner
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Lists that include Gunner
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Gunner mean?
Gunner is an Old Norse and English name that is usually said to mean “bold warrior; one who fires a gun”.
What is the origin of the name Gunner?
Gunner has Old Norse and English roots. Gunner is an English spelling that blends two sources.
Is Gunner a popular name?
Yes. Gunner ranked #506 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Gunner a boy or girl name?
Gunner is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Gunner?
Gunner is usually pronounced GUH-nur. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings